Moldova’s plans to join the European Union were cast into doubt Sunday after a majority of voters appeared to reject membership in a national referendum.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu blamed “criminal groups, working together with foreign forces” for apparent defeat in nationwide vote on EU membership.
She said the outcome was distorted by “unprecedented” Russian interference.
With more than 90 percent of votes counted, and the “no” camp was leading by 55 percent to 45 percent.
According to figures published early Monday by Moldova’s electoral commission based on 94 percent of the ballots, 52.4 percent of voters from the former Soviet republic voted against a plan by pro-Western Sandu to join the EU by 2030.Some 47.6 percent who supported it.
Speaking at an press conference as the vote count passed 90 percent, the president alleged that “criminal groups, working together with foreign forces” had deployed “tens of millions of euros, lies and propaganda” in a bid to keep Moldova “trapped in uncertainty and instability.”
She said Moldovan officials had “clear evidence” of “fraud on an unprecedented scale” designed to undermine the democratic process. “We are waiting for the final results, and we will respond with firm decisions.”
More than 1.5 million people, or 51 percent of the electorate, cast ballots in the nationwide referendum — well above the one-third required to be considered valid. The plebiscite could shape Moldova’s geopolitical future for years to come.
In a simultaneous presidential election, Sandu, who is seeking a second term was leading with `37 percent of the vote after 90 percent of ballots were counted. Alexandr Stoianoglo from the pro-Kremlin Socialist Party politician was second with 29 percent.
The closer than expected margin plus the apparent failure of the referendum complicates her bid to be re-elected as she had been expected to win by a large margin.
Pro-European president Maia Sandu ahead in key Moldova election after partial vote count
