The referendum on constitutional reforms from Moldova to commit to EU membership resulted in a tense finish, as preliminary reports indicated that with 97% of the ballots counted, the vote will be very close, with the No camp slightly ahead at 50.1%, versus the Yes vote at 49.9%. Contrary to every expectation and projections from opinion polls, which showed an almost two-to-one majority for the Yes camp, the result has come in as surprisingly close, and many are now pointing fingers at foreign interference.
Pro-EU President Maia Sandu denounced the outcome,
Pointing to “foreign forces” and “criminal groups” that bribed voters to sway the referendum. She suggested that Russian government-funded campaigns targeted voters, rural areas, and the breakaway Transnistria region, where one case emerged of voters receiving cash for their vote against constitutional change. The Kremlin has denied involvement.
Gaining 41% of votes in a presidential election
Held simultaneously with the referendum, Sandu now faces a runoff against pro-Russian Socialist candidate Aleksandr Stoianoglo on November 3. Stoianoglo claimed 27%, more than expected and possibly consolidation support from other candidates, posing a serious challenge to reelection by Sandu.
The referendum, even though it is not legally binding, was considered a step toward making the accession process of Moldova with the EU irreversible. The narrow result has, however introduced uncertainty over the future course for the country as it embarks on dealing with accusations of fraudulent elections and foreign interference that Sandu’s team is currently facing.
The talks on EU accession will continue with Moldova, notwithstanding all these. Campaigning for the path of a pro-European future, Sandu stressed how the future of Moldova lies on economic growth and geopolitical balance in the alignment with the EU. However, with deep political divide and interference issues, the future of the country stands in precarious balance.
