Pro-EU parties take narrow lead in Moldova's parliamentary pollsDecember 1, 2014 - 12:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Partial results from Moldova's parliamentary elections show that pro-EU parties have a narrow lead over those backing closer ties with Russia, BBC News reports. With 80% of the votes counted, the three pro-Western parties have about 44%. The opposition has 40%. No party appears to be able to form a government, and tough post-election bargaining is predicted. On the eve of the vote, one pro-Russian party was banned from the poll - a move criticized by Russia. The elections have taken on a wider significance in the shadow of the bloody crisis in neighboring Ukraine after the country’s former leadership made a last-minute U-turn, refusing to sign a landmark association and free trade deal with the EU. The partial results show that the pro-Russian Socialist Party has taken a lead with about 22% of the vote. The pro-EU Liberal Democrats are in second place with 19%. The party wants Moldova to achieve EU candidate status by 2017 and full membership by 2020. The second opposition party - the Communist Party - is running a close third with 18%. The party is a Soviet-era survivor that still uses the hammer and sickle as its symbol. Two other pro-Europe parties - the Democrats and the Liberals - are on 16% and 9% respectively. About 2.7 million people are eligible to cast their ballots, electing a single-chamber 101-seat parliament by a system of proportional representation. Parties need to get at least 6% of the vote to gain seats in parliament. The turnout was just under 56%. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. U.S. doesn’t see Russia as contributing to peace in Caucasus Patel made the remarks when asked about the implications of Russia’s withdrawal of peacekeepers from Karabakh. Up to 1% cashback when shopping on Wildberries with IDBank cards IDBank is launching an exclusive campaign on Wildberries for online shopping enthusiasts. |