Moldova holds election, EU vote dogged by alleged Russian meddling
World
Moldova holds election, EU vote dogged by alleged Russian meddling
CHISINAU (Reuters) - Moldovans voted on Sunday in a presidential election and a referendum that could make or break their country's efforts to join the European Union, after allegations of Russian interference.
As the war in Ukraine turns the political and diplomatic spotlight on Moldova, the former Soviet republic has sought to escape Moscow's orbit and embarked on the long process of EU accession talks.
Polls show incumbent Maia Sandu, who has championed EU accession in four years as president, has a clear lead over her 10 rivals on the ballot, though the election will go to a Nov. 3 run-off if she fails to reach the 50% mark.
The 52-year-old former World Bank adviser is likely to face Alexandr Stoianoglo, 57, a former prosecutor-general backed by the pro-Russian Party of Socialists, if there is a second round.
The referendum will decide whether to insert a clause into the constitution defining EU accession as a goal. A strong "yes" would endorse Sandu's push to join the bloc by 2030, while a "no" would be a major setback for her.
The results will set the tone for next summer's parliamentary election, where Sandu's party may struggle to retain its majority.
"Our vote at the referendum will define our fate for many decades to come," she said after casting her ballot, urging Moldovans to vote.
Polls show a majority support joining the EU, though five candidates told supporters to vote "no" or boycott, saying the referendum had been timed to boost Sandu's vote at the election.
Despite speculation the referendum could fail to garner the turnout threshold of a third of voters, it had passed the 42% mark by 6 p.m., election officials said.
Stoianoglo boycotted the referendum as he voted, saying the country needed a new government and that if he wins, he would develop ties with the EU, Russia, US and China.
