The run-up was overshadowed by Moldovan allegations of election meddling by fugitive tycoon Ilan Shor who lives in Russia. Moscow has denied interfering, while Shor denies wrongdoing.

If no candidate wins a majority, a second round of voting will take place on Nov. 3. Incumbent President Maia Sandu will likely face off against her main competitor, Alexandr Stoianoglo, who captured approximately 28 percent of the vote in the first round.

Incumbent President Maia Sandu has been placed just a few percentage points ahead of her rival in the presidential election, exit polls suggest, as the nation also voted against joining the EU in a referendum.