By Dan Peleschuk
CHISINAU, Moldova (Reuters) -Moldova's pro-European Union ruling party pulled comfortably ahead of its Russian-leaning rival in a crucial parliamentary election as final results firmed up on Monday, a relief for the government as it seeks to stay out of Moscow's orbit.
With more than 99% of votes counted, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) had a share of 49.99%, versus 24.28% for the Patriotic Bloc, which opposes closer ties with Brussels.
The remaining distribution of votes cast suggests PAS could secure the critical majority it needs in the 101-seat chamber to avoid a potentially shaky coalition and keep Moldova's EU bid on track, a process requiring years of legislative efforts.
Other forces set to enter parliament include the nominally pro-European Alternative bloc and the populist Our Party, with about 8% and 6.2%, respectively.
An official final tally is expected later on Monday.
ACRIMONIOUS BUILDUP
The buildup to an election that PAS leaders have called the most consequential since Moldova's independence was marred by accusations of foul play by both sides up to and on the day of polling.
President Maia Sandu's government warned Moldovans that Russia had attempted to sway the vote through widespread disinformation and vote-buying.
Stanislav Secrieru, Sandu's national security adviser, said election infrastructure and government websites had come under cyber attack, and that fake bomb threats were called in to polling stations in Moldova and abroad.
Moscow has denied meddling in Moldova.
On Sunday, Patriotic Bloc co-leader Igor Dodon, a former Moldovan president, called for protests the next day in front of parliament, claiming that Sandu was planning to annul the vote. He did not provide evidence.
Authorities will watch closely to see if Dodon follows through on the threat, and what crowds he can command if he does.
In the days leading up to the vote, election officials barred two pro-Russian parties from the ballot amid allegations of illegal financing.
PULLED EAST AND WEST
Authorities had warned late on Sunday of attempts to stir unrest following the vote, part of a campaign they blamed on Russian-backed disruption efforts if the election did not go in the bloc's favour.
Moldova - a former Soviet republic of 2.4 million people that has been buffeted by the war in neighbouring Ukraine, alleged Russian interference and energy shortages - has long vacillated between Russia and Europe.
Opposition groups like the Patriotic Bloc had sought to tap into voter anger over economic pain and the slow pace of reforms - grievances worsened by what officials say has been widespread disinformation.
Inflation remains stubbornly high at around 7%, while Moldovans also shoulder higher costs for imported energy.
But the stronger-than-expected electoral performance by PAS suggests its platform of European integration and breaking with Russia still resonates among wide swathes of voters.
(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Additional reporting by Alexander Tanas; Editing by Leslie Adler and Clarence Fernandez)
