France, Oct. 1 -- Sunday's elections in Moldova marked a defining moment in the country's democratic journey. Amid deep political divisions and heavy foreign interference, the vote offered Moldovans a clear choice between turning east or west. They delivered a decisive victory for the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity.

"The parliamentary elections in Moldova demonstrated a high level of commitment to democracy, amid unprecedented hybrid threats coming from Russia," according to Paula Cardoso, leader of theOrganisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe'selectoral observers team.

"From illicit financing funnelled through shadowy networks to relentless disinformation campaigns eroding public trust, and brazen cybersecurity ...