Partial results from Moldova's parliamentary elections show that pro-EU parties have a narrow lead over those backing closer ties with Russia, reports GHN based on BBC.
With 80% of the votes counted, the three pro-Western parties have about 44%. The opposition has 40%.
No party appears to be able to form a government, and tough post-election bargaining is predicted.
On the eve of the vote, one pro-Russian party was banned from Sunday's poll - a move criticised by Russia.
The elections have taken on a wider significance in the shadow of the bloody crisis in neighbouring Ukraine.
That crisis began last November after Ukraine's former leadership made a last-minute U-turn, refusing to sign a landmark association and free trade deal with the EU - under huge pressure from Russia.
This triggered mass protests in Ukraine that ousted President Viktor Yanukovych, and Kiev later signed the EU deal. But the protests, in turn, led to Russia annexing southern Crimea peninsula in March and throwing support behind separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine.
Moldova - which also signed the EU agreement - has been under growing Russian pressure to change course.