Factbox-Why Moldova's upcoming parliamentary election matters

(Reuters) - Moldova holds a parliamentary election on September 28 that could have sweeping consequences for its bid to join the European Union, as it fends off alleged Russian meddling in domestic affairs.

Here is an overview of what to expect from the high-stakes vote in the country of 2.4 million situated between Romania and Ukraine:

WHO IS STANDING IN THE ELECTION?

The ruling pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) is hoping to retain its majority, but will likely face a stiff challenge from the Patriotic Bloc, a new group of existing pro-Russian opposition parties.

Recent polls have suggested that PAS will lose its majority in the 101-seat body, forcing it to seek a coalition with smaller entities that pass the 5-7% threshold for parties and blocs, respectively.

Those could include the pro-Russian Our Party and the nominally pro-European Alternative Bloc.

WHAT ARE THE KEY ISSUES?

PAS sees membership of the 27-member European Union, which it is seeking by 2030, as critical to Chisinau's future and its resistance against Russian attempts to keep the former Soviet republic in its orbit.

Those attempts, officials claim, have included causing an energy crisis and stoking anti-government sentiment to derail Moldova's EU bid.

The outcome is important for Europe, too, as it seeks to counter Russian influence following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In August, leaders of France, Germany and Poland visited Chisinau to underline their support for pro-EU President Maia Sandu, a vocal opponent of Russia's war in Ukraine who has been in office since 2020 and was reelected last year.

Moldovans, meanwhile, are struggling with high inflation and have seen little progress in the government's pledge to clean up corruption.

A 2024 referendum asking voters to back Sandu's drive for EU membership only just cleared a 50% majority.

WHAT ROLE DOES PARLIAMENT PLAY?

Like in many other European countries, Moldova's parliamentary system means the legislature wields significant influence, including over the make-up of the government.

A PAS-controlled parliament would keep on track Moldova's EU bid, a process that requires extensive legislative efforts.

A coalition or pro-Russian parliament would likely turn the effort into a drawn-out political battle.

WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT SAYING ABOUT RUSSIAN INTERFERENCE?

Sandu, who described the vote as "the most consequential" in Moldova's history, has accused Moscow of stepping up a hybrid war by fuelling fake news, illegally bankrolling parties and buying voters.

In recent weeks alone, police have carried out scores of raids related to illicit financing.

Russia has denied meddling in Moldova and has accused Moldovan authorities of stoking anti-Russian hysteria to win the election.

(Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Additional reporting by Alexander Tanas; Editing by Aidan Lewis)