Moldovan voters set for pivotal election

Moldova is holding its first direct vote for the presidency in more than two decades, set against a backdrop of political turmoil and with an
electorate divided between pro-Europe and pro-Russia candidates 

REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Population: 3.5m
Area: 33,800 square km
GDP: $6.55 billion (2015)

Background: Gained independence from Soviet Union in 1991. Ruled since 2009 by string of weak,increasingly divided pro-Westerncoalitions, prompting surge in
support for pro-Russian rivals 

Recent events: Emergence of bank fraud scandal in 2015, costing over $1bn – more than 12 percent of GDP. In wake of widespread protests,Moldovan leaders agree to direct elections for president – position normally decided by parliament 

PRESIDENTIAL CONTENDERS*
Pro-Russia Pro-Europe
30% 13% 12%
Igor Dodon Socialist Party
Maia Sandu Action and Solidarity
Marian Lupu Democratic Party

*Percentage figures from Oct 5 poll by International Republican Institute

Trans-Dniester
Stalled talks over breakaway region could reopen if Moldova moves closer to Russia
Dniester River 
Gagauzia
Autonomous area favours joining Russia-led customs union

ROMANIA
Black Sea
UKRAINE
MOLDOVA
Chisinau
Tiraspol

50km
30 miles

Sources: Strafor, World Bank
Pictures: Twitter, Facebook, Wikimedia