Moldova’s referendum- More than half of preliminary votes against joining EU

Based on preliminary vote counts, a majority of Moldovan citizens cast their ballots against joining the European Union in a referendum held on the 20th. If these results are confirmed, it would represent a significant setback for pro-European President Maia Sandu, who had hoped to secure victory in the first round of the concurrent presidential elections.

According to a report by Central News Agency, these two votes are seen as critical tests for the former Soviet republic under Sandu’s leadership, especially amid concerns of Russian interference due to the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine.

Sandu came to power in 2020 after defeating the pro-Moscow incumbent, Igor Dodon. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moldova, a country with a population of 2.6 million, severed ties with Moscow and applied for European Union membership.

Regarding the EU membership referendum, preliminary counts indicate that over 55% of voters opposed joining the EU, while approximately 45% were in favor, with about 70% of the ballots counted. However, as counting continues in the capital city of Chișinău, where support for EU accession is stronger, the final outcome might still change.

In the presidential election, early results show Sandu receiving around 36% of the votes. She may likely face Alexander Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor backed by the pro-Russian Party of Socialists, in a second round on November 3. Stoianoglo’s support has exceeded expectations, with nearly 30% of the votes.

The question posed in the referendum was whether voters supported constitutional amendments aimed at achieving EU membership and other related goals, with a turnout of nearly 50%. Sandu’s camp argues that this turnout is underestimated due to outdated voter registration lists. For the referendum to be deemed valid, participation must exceed 33%.

In contrast, the voter turnout for the presidential election exceeded 51%.

At 52, Sandu is the first female president of Moldova and a former World Bank economist. She was initially leading in pre-election polls, which had predicted strong support for the constitutional amendments in the referendum.

While casting her vote, Sandu stated, “This vote will determine our fate for many years to come.”