The Communist leader, President Vladimir Voronin, had pledged to continue Moldova's push towards European integration.

BBC: Soldiers queue to cast their vote in Chisinau, Moldova

The immediate issue is who should replace the country's serving president, Vladimir Voronin.

ECONOMIST: Moldova's elections

Although Moldova has no aspirations to join NATO, it is keen to get into the EU. Its president, Vladimir Voronin, met his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, in late August.

ECONOMIST: Russia's western neighbours