Electoral officials in Moldova have begun recounting more than 1.5 million votes following a violently disputed election.

Moldova’s Constitutional Court, which has until next week to make a ruling, ordered the recount after a request by President Vladimir Voronin. He said the decision would boost public trust. But, opposition parties want nothing short of new parliamentary elections. They’ve described the ballot as rigged saying the recount is a farce. Last week’s result saw widespread unrest in Chisinau after Moldova’s ruling Communist’s were declared the winners, with protesters ransacking the capital’s parliament. Despite claiming protests were part of a plot, President Voronin has called for an amnesty on those involved. However, he has accused neighbouring Romania of trying to foment unrest. A charge vehemently denied by Romania’s President Traian Basecu, who yesterday demanded a European inquiry, accusing Moldova’s communists of repressing opposition. Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, who’s country holds the EU presidency, will visit Moldova next week.More about: Moldova

Copyright © 2012 euronews