The president of Moldova has accused “criminal organizations” of undermining the referendum on EU membership.
The EU referendum asked voters whether they wanted to include a path to the EU in the country’s Constitution.
After approximately 95% of the votes were counted in, 52% voted against, while 47% voted for.
The votes of the large number of ex-pats in the country are still being counted.
“Criminal group, working with foreign forces hostile towards our national interests, attacked our country using tens millions of euros in lies and propaganda. They used the most disgraceful methods to keep our citizens, and our nation, trapped in uncertainty and stability,” said President Maia Sandu.
“We have evidence that these criminals groups wanted to buy 300,000. This is a fraud on an unprecedented scale.
“Their goal was to undermine a democracy process,” she said.
WatchDog, an independent think tank based in Chisinau, conducted polls that show a clear majority (more than 50%) of respondents support the EU’s path.
The first round of voting in the presidential race was also voted on by voters.
If Ms Sandu does not win an outright majority, a runoff will take place on 3 November. She could face Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is a former prosecutor-general who is friendly to Russia and polling at around 10%.
The two ballots will be held amid claims by the Moldovan authorities that Moscow is intensifying an alleged “hybrid warfare” campaign in order to destabilize and derail the country’s EU path.
The allegations include funding pro-Moscow groups, spreading misinformation, meddling with local elections, and supporting a major vote buying scheme.
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