The latest provisional results of yesterday's referendum in Moldova on joining the European Union show , that 50.17% voted "yes", after President Maya Sandu said the vote for head of state was also marred by an "unprecedented" external intervention, reported Reuters.
Only 1.5% of ballots remain to be counted. Meanwhile, in the presidential election, Sandu won 42% of the vote, while Moldova's former chief prosecutor Alexander Stoianoglo collected 26%, which will require a runoff on November 3.
The twin elections were seen as a test of the south-eastern European country's drive to fully commit to joining the European Union, stepping out of Moscow's shadow for good.
Moldova began the long process of formal EU accession negotiations in June and, under Sandu's leadership, has set a goal of becoming part of the EU by 2030. Stoianoglo said that if he becomes the country's president, he will develop a "balanced" foreign policy, including relations not only with the EU, but also with Russia and the USA.
Sandu addressed the citizens of Moldova, saying that criminal groups that work with foreign forces that act against Moldovan interests have tried to buy 300,000 votes. "Their aim was to undermine the democratic process. Their intention was to instill fear and panic in the public... We are waiting for the final results and will respond with firm decisions," she said.
After the first results became clear last night, it initially appeared that around 57% of Moldovans had voted "no". the referendum. After more ballots were counted, the "yes" they gradually increased and early in the morning and overtook the votes against.