Moldova bars 2 pro-Russian parties from tense parliamentary election

CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — Moldova’s electoral commission on Friday barred two pro-Russian parties from participating in this weekend’s tense parliamentary election, which is beleaguered by widespread claims of Russian interference. The outcome of Sunday’s high-stakes vote could determine whether Moldova, a Soviet republic until 1991 and a candidate for European Union membership since 2022, can continue on a path toward the EU or will be brought back under Russia’s orbit. The parties barred Friday, the Heart of Moldova and Moldova Mare, face allegations of illegal financing and voter bribery. The Heart of Moldova was one of four parties in the...