CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — Moldova’s electoral commission on Friday barred a pro-Russian party from participating in this weekend’s tense parliamentary election, which is beleaguered by widespread claims of Russian interference.

The outcome of Sunday’s high-stakes vote could determine whether Moldova, a Soviet republic until 1991 and a candidate for European Union membership since 2022, can continue on a path toward the EU or will be brought back under Russia’s orbit.

The Heart of Moldova party was one of four parties in the Russia-friendly Patriotic Electoral Bloc, or BEP, which is viewed as one of the main opponents of the ruling pro-Western Party of Action and Solidarity, in Sunday’s election.

The Central Electoral Commission’s action was based on a ruling a day earlier by the Chisinau

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