Madalin Necsutu

As EU hopeful Moldova embarks on a complex process of judicial reform and vetting to root out corruption, experts advise it to note what has gone right – and wrong – in Albania, which began the same process a decade ago.

The results of the October 20 presidential election and referendum may determine the country's geopolitical orientation for good, analysts say – as Russia pulls out all the stops in an attempt to shape the outcome.

Security officials revealed more details about the alleged training of dozens of people in Bosnia and Serbia to destabilise Moldova during elections on Sunday, which they claim was instigated by a fugitive pro-Russian oligarch.

Maia Sandu claimed pro-Russian forces illegally interfered in Sunday's presidential polls, which will go to a run-off ballot next month, while referendum results only narrowly approved enshrining EU accession as a national goal.

Maia Sandu removed Alexandr Stoianoglo from the post of Prosecutor-General amid a flurry of corruption allegations. Now the two will face off for the post of Moldovan president.

Days before Moldovans head to the second round of presidential elections, authorities said they are cracking down hard on voter corruption schemes allegedly organised by the fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor in coordination with Russia.

Experts say results of crucial second round of election will decide whether Moldova follows a course leading towards EU membership – or back into Moscow's orbit.

Pro-European incumbent Maia Sandu defeated rival Alexandr Stoianoglo in a run-off presidential election seen as a choice for the country's voters between the EU and Moscow after a campaign marred by claims of Russian meddling.

Analysts warn against complacency in Moldova after pro-European incumbent Maia Sandu wins a presidential run-off marred by allegations of Russian-orchestrated vote-buying and manipulation.