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Moldova's pro-Western incumbent president Maia Sandu has won a second term in a pivotal presidential runoff against a Russia-friendly opponent, in a race overshadowed by claims of Russian interference, voter fraud and intimidation, Euronews reported.

With more than 99% of votes counted in the second round, Sandu had 55.03% of the vote, according to the Central Electoral Commission.

Her competitor, the former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo, was polling at just under 45%.

Speaking at the headquarters of her Action and Solidarity party in the capital Chișinău, Sandu struck a conciliatory tone and said she had listened to those who had voted both for and against her, adding that her priority in the coming years would be to be a president for all Moldovans.

When polls closed locally at 9pm local time, turnout stood at more than 1.68 million people, around 54% of eligible voters, according to the Central Election Commission.

Moldova's large diaspora, which cast ballots in record numbers of more than 325,000, voted heavily in favour of Sandu.

In the first round, which was held on 20 October, Sandu took 42% of the vote but failed to win an outright majority over second place Stoianoglo.

Moldova's presidential role carries significant powers in areas such as foreign policy and national security and has a four-year term.