Former prime minister Maia Sandu prepares to cast her vote in the country's presidential election runoff in Chisinau, Moldova, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020. Moldovans returned to the polls Sunday for the second round of voting in the country's presidential election, facing a choice between the staunchly pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon, and his popular pro-Western challenger, former prime minister Maia Sandu. (AP Photo/Roveliu Buga)
The Associated Press
CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) - Moldovans returned to the polls Sunday for a presidential runoff, facing a stark choice between the staunchly pro-Russian incumbent and his popular challenger, a pro-Western former World Bank economist.
The challenger, former Prime Minister Maia Sandu, beat the odds to win the first round on Nov. 1, which narrowed the field from eight to two candidates. Sandu won over 36% of the vote, leaving the incumbent, President Igor Dodon, behind by over 3.5 points.
The election is perceived as a referendum on two divergent visions for the future of the small Eastern European nation sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania.
Dodon, who Russian President Vladimir Putin has identified as his preferred candidate, and Sandu have been rivals since he narrowly defeated her in the 2016 presidential race.
Ever since gaining independence in 1992 after the Soviet collapse in 1991, Moldova has been divided between those favoring closer relations with the European Union and those who prefer stronger links with Moscow.
In 2014, while run by a pro-European coalition, the country of 3.5 million people signed a deal on closer political and economic ties with the EU, now a bloc of 27 nations. However, Brussels has since been increasingly critical of Moldova's progress on reforms.
Sandu, a former World Bank economist, promised during the campaign to secure more financial support from Brussels if she becomes president.
Former prime minister Maia Sandu prepares to cast her vote in the country's presidential election runoff in Chisinau, Moldova, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020. Moldovans returned to the polls Sunday for the second round of voting in the country's presidential election, facing a choice between the staunchly pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon, and his popular pro-Western challenger, former prime minister Maia Sandu. (AP Photo/Roveliu Buga)
The Associated Press
Incumbent Moldovan President Igor Dodon and his wife Galina cast their votes in the country's presidential election runoff in Chisinau, Moldova, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020. Moldovans returned to the polls Sunday for the second round of voting in the country's presidential election, facing a choice between the staunchly pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon, and his popular pro-Western challenger, former prime minister Maia Sandu. (AP Photo/Roveliu Buga)
The Associated Press
Incumbent Moldovan President Igor Dodon prepares to cast his vote in the country's presidential election runoff in Chisinau, Moldova, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020. Moldovans returned to the polls Sunday for the second round of voting in the country's presidential election, facing a choice between the staunchly pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon, and his popular pro-Western challenger, former prime minister Maia Sandu. (AP Photo/Roveliu Buga)
The Associated Press
Incumbent Moldovan President Igor Dodon speaks to media after casting his vote in the country's presidential election runoff in Chisinau, Moldova, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020. Moldovans returned to the polls Sunday for the second round of voting in the country's presidential election, facing a choice between the staunchly pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon, and his popular pro-Western challenger, former prime minister Maia Sandu. (AP Photo/Roveliu Buga)
The Associated Press
Incumbent Moldovan President Igor Dodon prepares to cast his vote in the country's presidential elections in Chisinau, Moldova, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020. Pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon and former prime minister Maia Sandu, a pro-Western, anti-corruption reformer lead the race according to pre-electoral polls, both credited with a little over a third of the voting intentions which indicates an election runoff will take place.(AP Photo/Roveliu Buga)
The Associated Press
Incumbent Moldovan President Igor Dodon speaks to the media after casting his vote in the country's presidential elections in Chisinau, Moldova, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020. Pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon and former prime minister Maia Sandu, a pro-Western, anti-corruption reformer lead the race according to pre-electoral polls, both credited with a little over a third of the voting intentions which indicates an election runoff will take place.(AP Photo/Roveliu Buga)
The Associated Press
Incumbent Moldovan President Igor Dodon speaks to media after casting his vote in the country's presidential elections in Chisinau, Moldova, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020. Pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon and former prime minister Maia Sandu, a pro-Western, anti-corruption reformer lead the race according to pre-electoral polls, both credited with a little over a third of the voting intentions which indicates an election runoff will take place.(AP Photo/Roveliu Buga)
The Associated Press