Ex-Soviet state deeply divided on EU integration – vote tally
A referendum in Moldova has revealed a nearly 50-50 split among voters over a government-backed proposal to enshrine integration with the EU in the former Soviet country’s constitution.
During Sunday’s referendum, which was held along with the presidential election, voters were asked whether the constitution should be amended to reflect the “irreversible European course” of the country and affirm the “integration into the European Union as a strategic objective” of the nation.
Although preliminary results initially showed the ‘no’ vote leading by ten points, the margin gradually shrunk as more ballots were counted overnight.
With more than 97% of the ballots counted, 50.14% voted against the proposal, with 49.86% in favor, according to the official tally cited by the news website NOI.md.
The highly contentious presidential election is likely heading to a second-round runoff, as no candidate has succeeded in receiving 50% of the votes.
With more than 97% of the ballots counted, the pro-EU president, Maia Sandu, is leading with 41.83%. Former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo, the leader of the Party of Socialists (PSRM), is second with 26.32%.
The high-stakes election is marred by accusations of rigging and voter manipulation from the government and the opposition alike.
The opposition Victory alliance accused the authorities of allowing irregularities, ranging from organized busing of voters to polling stations to allegations of voter intimidation.
Chisinau, meanwhile, has accused Russia of attempting to influence the election and has shut down several TV channels that are critical of the government.
“Moldova has come under an unprecedented attack. Criminal groups, united with foreign powers, have attacked our country with lies and propaganda,” Sandu said at a press conference shortly after the preliminary results were announced. She claimed to have “evidence and information that a criminal group had attempted to buy 300,000 votes.”
The election, which is widely seen as pivotal to Moldova’s aspirations to join the EU, was dominated by the issues of corruption and low living standards, as well as security concerns stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
