But power in the former Soviet republic has swung for decades between pro-European and pro-Russian groups. Opposition forces like the pro-Russian Patriotic Bloc have tapped into voter unease over economic turmoil and the slow pace of reforms, grievances worsened by what officials say has been widespread disinformation. On Friday, the Election Commission barred Heart of Moldova, part of the Patriotic Bloc, from the election while it is investigated for illicit funding. “What will the European Union gain from us?”She said she would most likely vote for the nominally pro-European Alternative bloc. Earlier in September, one poll showed PAS had slipped into second place for the first time with 34.7% backing, behind 36% for the Patriotic Bloc, including Socialists and Communists.