Partial election results show Moldova's pro-Europe alliance is ahead of the opposition Communists, but it was unclear whether it would be enough to end a political deadlock that has kept it without a functioning government for more than a year.

The land-locked country, covering an area of some 33,850 square miles, is bordered by Ukraine and Romania and usually experiences moderate winters and warm summers. (AP Photo/John McConnico)

.With more than 86 percent of the votes counted early Monday, three liberal parties of Prime Minister Vlad Filat's ruling Alliance for European Integration led with 50 percent against the Communists who had 41 percent. Final results are expected later Monday.

The pro-European alliance did not have the 61 votes in the 101-seat legislature necessary to elect a president.

The Communist Party remained the largest single party and has succeeded in blocking the election of a pro-Western president.