Moldova backs joining EU by razor-thin margin

A referendum on Moldova joining the European Union passed with a razor-thin majority on Oct 21 as pro-Brussels President Maia Sandu blamed the close outcome on foreign meddling, in a veiled reference to Russia which denied the accusations.

- AFP

CHISINAU –

The Kremlin called on Ms Sandu to "prove" election interference in the former Soviet republic bordering war-torn Ukraine and alleged "anomalies" in Moldova's vote count.

Ms Sandu managed to top the first round of presidential elections held at the same time as the referendum on Oct 20, but will face a tough second round against Mr Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor backed by the pro-Russian Socialists.

Ms Sandu applied for her country to join the EU following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

With more than 99 per cent of the votes counted, the "yes" vote was slightly ahead at 50.28 per cent – just 8,000 votes more than the anti-EU camp.