As per preliminary results from Moldova's Central Election Commission, slightly over half of the voters supported European integration in the referendum held on October 20th.
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So far, 99.77% of the ballots have been counted. Of these, 50.46% of Moldovans (750 353 voters) support amending the constitution to enable the country’s EU membership, while 49.54% (736 567 voters) are opposed to the changes.
The current margin between the two camps stands at 13,786 votes. It is worth noting that the decisive role was played by voters living abroad, 76.88% of whom, or 179 552 citizens, voted in favor of European integration. At present, the results from 226 out of 231 overseas polling stations have been counted.
"Moldova has faced an unprecedented assault on our country’s freedom and democracy,” said President Maia Sandu in Chisinau, commenting on the preliminary results of the referendum. She accused "criminal groups working with foreign forces hostile to national interests” of interference.
"We have clear evidence that these criminal groups aimed to buy 300 000 votes – a fraud of unprecedented scale. Their objective was to undermine a democratic process. Their intention is to spread fear and panic in the society. We will not back down from defending democracy and freedom. We are waiting for the final results and will respond with a firm decision,” Sandu stated.
The referendum on Moldova’s accession to the European Union was held alongside the presidential elections. After counting 99.77% of the ballots, 42.40% (654 685 voters) support the current pro-European president, Maia Sandu, while 26.01% (401 627 voters) back her main competitor, former General Prosecutor Alexandr Stoianoglo. This means that the winner will be determined in the second round on November 3.
