With votes counted from Moldovans voting abroad, the country voted in favour of anchoring EU membership in its constitution by a slim margin, updated electoral data showed on Monday (21 October).

After an uncertain election outcome from Sunday to Monday morning and with 99,19% of votes counted, the ‘Yes’ vote won with 50.32% (743,446) approval ahead of the 49.68% (733,945) ‘No’ vote, according to near-final results presented by the Central Electoral Commission in Chișinău.

More than 200,000 ballots cast among the country’s diaspora swayed the vote.

The approval means that the country’s Constitutional Court can now amend Moldova’s constitution to anchor the country’s long-term objective of joining the EU. No parliamentary or other approval is required.

Regardless of the outcome of the vote, observers speak about a significant challenge incumbent President Maia Sandu will face in selling pro-European policies because of the unexpectedly tight margin.

In the presidential poll, Sandu secured first place with about 42% support but will have a run-off with Alexandru Stoianoglo, a pro-Russian socialist candidate and former prosecutor, who came second with about 26%.

Sunday’s election, however, had been overshadowed by accusations of Russia’s cash-for-votes scheme affecting one-fifth of the ballot.

“Criminal groups, working together with foreign forces hostile to our national interests, have attacked our country with tens of millions of euros, lies and propaganda, using the most disgraceful means to keep our citizens and our nation trapped in uncertainty and instability,” Sandu had told reporters after about 90% of the votes were counted.

Sandu did not provide immediate proof for the allegations, but Moldovan officials said it was likely that more clarity on the investigation would follow in due course on Monday.

The Kremlin, in turn, alleged there were “anomalies” in Moldova’s count in both elections, demanding Sandu must “prove” her election interference claims.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there was an “uptick” in both polls in favour.

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) election observation mission (ODIHR) is scheduled to present its monitoring results later on Monday afternoon.

[Edited by Rajnish Singh]

Source: Euractiv.com