Moldovans will cast their ballots on Sunday in two key votes that are viewed as critical to securing Moldova’s pro-Western future.

MAGDACESTI, Moldova< Oct 19, (AP): On a frigid evening in a village near Moldova’s capital, President Maia Sandu warned locals of Russian meddling as she seeks reelection and touted joining the European Union as the only way forward. Her message came days before key votes that could help to determine the country’s future.

Moldova's pro-Western president, Maia Sandu, is seeking a second term in a presidential election on Oct. 20, when the country will also hold a referendum on joining the European Union.

At the family plum orchard in the rolling hills northwest of Moldova’s capital of Chisinau, it’s easy to see why Zinaida Plamadeala is keen to ensure her country remains on its path toward European integration.

On 20 October, elections for the President of the Republic of Moldova will be held, accompanied by a referendum concerning joining the European Union. Moscow is intensifying its efforts to thwart pro-European tendencies.

Moldovans will choose whether their country's path to the EU remains clear when they head to the polls this weekend. Russia has allegedly tried to sway voters away from the EU in the run-up to the historic referendum.

Moldovan citizens will vote on whether to formally add EU membership aspirations to their country's constitution. A win for pro-Europeans and Maya Sandu’s re-election could increase tensions with pro-Russian separatists.

As Moldova gears up for its presidential election and EU referendum this Sunday, President Maia Sandu is banking on both her victory and a successful EU referendum, which would mark a decisive moment in her efforts to bring Moldova into the European Union.