DHAKA: Voting is under way in Moldova for the country’s first presidential election in 20 years.

The vote is being seen as a battle between those supporting closer ties with Russia and those wanting integration with the European Union, reports the BBC.

The ex-Soviet republic is one of the poorest countries in Europe and has been hit by a string of high-profile corruption scandals.

Since 1996 presidents of Moldova have been chosen by parliament.

Pavel Filip was appointed prime minister in January and it was his pro-European coalition that re-established the popular vote.

Both the EU and Russia seek greater influence over the country, which is wedged between Ukraine and Romania, but polls indicate that voters are divided about which offers them a better future.

The pro-Moscow Socialist candidate, Igor Dodon, has been ahead in opinion polls and has pledged to push for new parliamentary elections if he wins.

His main rival is Maia Sandu of the pro-Western, centre-right opposition. She has been praised for reforming the education system.

If no candidate wins an outright majority in the first round, a second round of voting will be held on 13 November.

The president appoints judges and sets out foreign policy but other major decisions need the approval of parliament.

Popular election though could bring the post more influence and authority, correspondents say.

BDST: 1135 HRS, OCT 30, 2016
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