People in Moldova voted in favor of joining the European Union by a narrow margin in a referendum on Sunday.
The electoral commission of the former Soviet republic said the Yes vote stood at 50.46 percent, versus 49.54 percent for the No vote.
In the presidential election, which was held alongside the referendum, pro-EU incumbent Maia Sandu won 42.45 percent of votes, short of the 50 percent needed to avoid a runoff. Alexandr Stoianoglo — a former prosecutor general who seeks close ties with Russia — followed with 25.98 percent. The runoff will be held on November 3.
The Moldovan government has accused Russia of meddling by buying votes and spreading disinformation. Russia denies the allegation.
Sandu said in a social media post on Monday, “We fought fairly in an unfair fight — and we won.”
Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the results show that many people do not support President Sandu’s position. He said that is noteworthy.