The referendum on joining the EU in Moldova is tense.

(CLO) Moldovan President Maia Sandu said the double vote on October 20 faced interference, after preliminary results indicated the election would go to a second round and the referendum on joining the European Union (EU) was under intense pressure.

With over 92% of the votes counted, 52% of Moldovans voted "no" in the referendum on joining the EU, while 47% voted "yes". Therefore, the final outcome for this historic turning point for Moldova remains highly unpredictable.

Meanwhile, in the presidential election, Sandu won 38% of the vote. Her main opponent, former Attorney General Alexandr Stoianoglo, won 28%. Since neither candidate reached the 50% threshold, a second round of voting will take place on November 3rd.

Ms. Maia Sandu. Photo: Reuters

In a statement, Sandu said there was "evidence" that criminal groups were collaborating with foreign powers to try to buy 300,000 votes.

"Their goal is to undermine the democratic process. Their intention is to sow fear and panic in society... We are awaiting the final outcome and will respond with firm decisions," she said.

The Moldovan president has accused opposition leader Ilan Shor, currently residing in Russia, of interfering in the elections. Russia has denied interference, while Shor has denied any wrongdoing.

Earlier this month, Moldovan police accused Shor of attempting to pay a network of at least 130,000 voters to vote "no" in the EU accession referendum, as well as to vote for "our candidate" in the election.

Shor publicly stated on social media that he would pay Moldovans to persuade them to vote for a particular candidate, claiming it was a legitimate way to use his money.

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

Sunday's referendum aimed to decide whether to include a clause in the Constitution defining the goal of joining the EU.

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