CHISINAU, Moldova, Oct 20, (AP): Moldovans have started casting ballots in two key votes Sunday that could determine whether the European Union candidate country, which neighbors Ukraine, remains on a pro-western path amid ongoing allegations that Russia has tried to undermine the electoral process.

Incumbent President Maia Sandu is the favorite to secure another term in office in a presidential race in which 11 candidates are running. Voters will also choose "yes” or "no” in a referendum on whether to enshrine in the country’s constitution its path toward the 27-nation EU. Polls by WatchDog, a Chisinau-based think-tank show a clear majority of more than 50% support the EU path.

The referendum needs a one-third turnout to be valid. Polling stations opened at 7 am (0400GMT) and are expected to close at 9 p.m. (1800GMT). If Sandu fails to win an outright majority on Sunday, a run-off will be held on Nov 3 which could pit her against Alexandr Stoianoglo, a Russia-friendly former prosecutor general who is polling at around 10%.

The two pivotal ballots are held amid ongoing claims by Moldovan authorities that Moscow has intensified an alleged "hybrid war” campaign to destabilize the country and derail its EU path. The allegations include funding pro-Moscow opposition groups, spreading disinformation, meddling in local elections, and backing a major vote-buying scheme.

US national security spokesman John Kirby echoed those concerns this week, saying in a statement that "Russia is working actively to undermine Moldova’s election and its European integration". Moscow has repeatedly denied it is interfering in Moldova. "In the last several months, Moscow has dedicated millions of dollars to influencing Moldova’s presidential election,” Kirby said. "We assess that this money has gone toward financing its preferred parties and spreading disinformation on social media in favor of their campaigns.”