Pro-European Maia Sandu wins first round of Moldova election

Moldova's presidential election is heading for a runoff between President Igor Dodon and Maia Sandu, with the pro-European challenger coming from behind to pull ahead of the incumbent after the first round of voting on Sunday.

Moldova will hold a runoff presidential election after neither pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon nor his pro-Western opponent, Maia Sandu, won outright in the first round on November 1, Report says, citing RIA Novosti.

With nearly all ballots counted on November 2, Central Election Commission data showed Sandu winning 36,16 percent against Dodon's 32, 61 percent.

A candidate needs more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid the November 15 runoff.