- Moldova’s EU referendum too close to call with 98% of votes counted
- Tension growing as many expected the pro-EU vote to pass
- President Maia Sandu claims foreign interference has played a role
Moldova’s EU referendum too close to call with 98% of votes counted
Moldova’s referendum on joining the EU remains undecided, with Yes votes at 50.08% and No at 49.92% after 98% of ballots were counted. The tight race has sparked tension, as many expected the pro-EU vote to pass in the country of 2.6 million, which borders Romania and Ukraine.
President Maia Sandu, a strong EU supporter, claimed foreign interference influenced the narrow results, accusing Russia of paying voters—an allegation Moscow denies. Sandu called it an “unprecedented assault on democracy” and cited evidence of vote-buying.
Alongside the referendum, Moldova held a presidential election, where Sandu led with 41% but now faces a tough runoff on November 3 against pro-Russian candidate Aleksandr Stoianoglo, who gained 27%. Sandu’s re-election is at risk if her opponents unite against her.
Though the referendum is non-binding, it was meant to solidify Moldova’s EU path, which now appears uncertain.
