(ANSA-AFP) - CHISINAU, 02 NOV - Moldova's pro-European presidential challenger came from behind to secure a surprise lead Monday against the pro-Russia incumbent leader, suggesting a tight second round later this month.

After trailing earlier on Sunday, Maia Sandu won 35 percent of the vote against rival Igor Dodon's 33 percent, the central election commission said. With almost all the votes counted the result points to a tight contest when the pair go head-to-head in a second-round vote on November 15.

The impoverished country of 3.5 million has long been divided between those favouring closer ties with the EU and those who cling to Soviet-era relations with Moscow. (ANSA-AFP).