Moldova's EU referendum is tense

(CLO) Moldovan President Maia Sandu said the double vote on October 20 faced interference, after preliminary results showed the election would have to go into a second round and the referendum on joining the European Union (EU) was very tense.

With more than 92% of votes counted, 52% of Moldovans voted "no" in the referendum on EU membership, while 47% of Moldovans voted "yes". Thus, the final result of Moldova's historic turning point will be very unpredictable.

Meanwhile, in the presidential election, Ms. Sandu won 38% of the vote. Her main opponent, former Prosecutor General Alexandr Stoianoglo, won 28%. Since no one reached the 50% mark, a second round of voting will take place on November 3.

Ms. Maia Sandu. Photo: Reuters

In a statement, Ms Sandu said there was “evidence” that criminal groups working with foreign powers sought to buy 300,000 votes.

"Their aim is to sabotage the democratic process. Their intention is to spread fear and panic in society... We are waiting for the final results and will respond with tough decisions," she said.

Moldova's president has accused opposition leader Ilan Shor, who lives in Russia, of interfering in the election. Russia has denied meddling, while Shor has denied wrongdoing.

Earlier this month, Moldovan police accused Shor of trying to pay a network of at least 130,000 voters to vote “no” in the referendum on EU membership, as well as vote for “our candidate” in the election.

Shor has publicly stated on social media that he would pay Moldovans to convince them to vote for a certain person, saying it was a legitimate use of his money.

Moldova is a tiny country sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, with just over 2.4 million people. Its relationship with Russia has deteriorated under President Sandu, who is pro-Western and wants Moldova to join the EU by 2030.

Sunday's referendum is to decide whether to include a clause in the constitution setting the goal of EU membership.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cuoc-trung-cau-gia-nhap-eu-va-bau-cu-o-moldova-dang-cang-nhu-day-dan-post317729.html