(ANSA-AFP) - CHISINAU, 16 NOV - Pro-European challenger Maia Sandu has won the second round of Moldova's presidential election and is well ahead of the pro-Russian incumbent with almost all ballots counted, according to the central election commission. The former prime minister was leading Sunday night with 57 percent of the votes over Igor Dodon's 44 percent, with the full results expected Monday. With 99 percent of the votes tallied by late Sunday, according to the Moldovan Central Election Commission website, Sandu's expected victory may be ill-received in Moscow. The tiny ex-Soviet nation is under the watchful eye of Russia, which wants polarised Moldova to remain in its sphere of influence at a time when several Kremlin-aligned governments are rocked by political unrest.

Celebrations broke out overnight in front of opposition headquarters in the centre of the capital Chisinau, with supporters chanting: "President Maia Sandu" and "a country for young people". (ANSA-AFP).