Moldova's EU Path Under Siege: Presidential Election and Referendum at Stake

Moldova's pro-Western president, Maia Sandu, accused criminal groups of attempting to derail a referendum on EU membership, despite winning the first presidential race round. As diaspora votes are counted, tensions rise over alleged Russian interference and vote-buying schemes threatening Moldova's path toward the European Union.

Moldova's pro-Western president, Maia Sandu, is on track to advance in the presidential race but faces challenges as she claims criminal groups attempted to sabotage a crucial EU referendum. With nearly 95% of votes counted, the referendum sought to enshrine a path toward EU membership in the constitution.

The referendum results showed 52% of voters rejecting the EU path, with 47% in favor, but diaspora votes, which tend to support EU alignment, are still being tallied. President Sandu alleges foreign forces, including Russia, are conspiring with local criminal elements to destabilize Moldova and thwart democratic processes.

The tense political climate includes accusations of Russian interference in Moldova's elections, with vote-buying schemes linked to pro-Russian figures. Despite potential run-off elections, Sandu sees EU integration as vital, with many citizens distrustful of external meddling. This highlights Moldova's ongoing challenges amid geopolitical tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)