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Moldovan citizens have narrowly voted in favor of moving forward with discussions to join the EU, as revealed by early results on Monday. This outcome came as a surprise for President Maia Sandu, who had hoped for strong support for her pro-Europe integration policy.
The referendum, which was a significant milestone, asked voters whether the country should amend its constitution to include a commitment to EU membership, following Moldova’s application for accession in 2022.
Initial results on Monday indicated a 50.24% approval rate after counting votes from 98.74% of polling stations, with a slim majority of just 7,200 votes out of 1.5 million cast. Despite consistent polls showing widespread support for EU membership, the margin was extremely close.
Sandu framed the referendum as a crucial decision for Moldova, presenting it as a choice between closer integration with the West or aligning with Russia. However, she also faced challenges in the presidential election held on the same day, in which she aimed to secure a second term through popular vote.
The presidential race will now proceed to a second-round run-off on November 3, with Sandu competing against her main opponent Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is supported by the pro-Russian socialist party.
In a statement released from her campaign headquarters as results were announced on Sunday night, Sandu condemned what she described as an “unprecedented attack” on the democratic process by external forces.
In the lead-up to the elections, Moldovan authorities had raised concerns about substantial Russian interference, highlighting efforts to combat a network of Kremlin proxies and illicit funding aimed at influencing the outcome.
Sandu claimed that her government had evidence of attempts to purchase 300,000 votes to sway the election results. She accused “foreign forces hostile to our national interests” of launching a campaign involving millions of euros, misinformation, and propaganda.
“We will stand firm in defending democracy and freedom,” Sandu asserted. “We await the final results and will respond decisively.”