adminChisinau – Moldovans have begun voting for a president in an election that could move the former Soviet republic closer to Europe or push it back into Russia’s orbit.
It is the first time citizens have directly voted for their president in 20 years in an election where many are angry about high-level corruption.
Polls opened yesterday at 0700hrs and close at 2100hrs, with first results expected two hours later. The favourite is Igor Dodon, a pro-Moscow head of the Socialists Party who has tapped into widespread dissatisfaction with the pro-European government. Ex-World Bank economist Maia Sandu is the preferred option for those who want Moldova to join the European mainstream. If no candidate wins a majority, there will be a runoff on November 13.
Meanwhile, Australia yesterday announced plans to ratchet up its tough policy against refugees by banning any asylum seeker who attempts to reach its shores by boat from ever visiting the country.
A previous government introduced a policy on July 19, 2013, banning refugees who arrive by boat from Indonesian ports after that date from ever being resettled in Australia.
Under legislation to be introduced to Parliament next week, thousands of asylum seekers who have returned to their homelands in the Middle East, Africa and Asia would be banned for life from ever travelling to Australia as tourists, to do business or as an Australian’s spouse, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said.— AFP.
Online Reporter