The close results of the referendum indicate a divided public opinion in Moldova regarding EU integration, suggesting that the government's pro-European stance may not resonate with a significant portion of the population.
The electoral process has faced allegations of unfair practices, raising questions about the legitimacy of both the referendum and the presidential elections.
The opposition's claims of discrimination against Moldovans abroad underline the challenges faced by the current government in addressing the needs and rights of its diaspora.
The situation reflects broader geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly the influence of Russia and the EU on Moldova's political landscape.
The upcoming second round of presidential elections could further reveal public sentiment toward the current government's policies and its EU integration agenda.
If the opposition gains traction amid allegations of electoral misconduct, it could lead to significant political changes in Moldova, potentially shifting the country away from a pro-European path.
Increased Euroscepticism among Moldovans may prompt the government to reconsider its approach to EU integration and its electoral strategies in future elections.
In a recent referendum, nearly half of Moldovan citizens voted against the country's accession to the European Union, highlighting significant public skepticism toward EU integration. According to the Central Election Commission, preliminary results indicated that 49.7% opposed joining the EU, while 50.3% supported it, with only nine out of 36 districts voting in favor. The Gagauz Autonomous Region and the unrecognized Transnistria also showed strong opposition to EU membership.
Simultaneously, Moldova held presidential elections, which will proceed to a second round on November 3, as no candidate secured more than 50% of the votes in the first round. Current President Maia Sandu led with 42.07%, followed by Alexander Stoianoglo at 26.27%.
The opposition has accused the Moldovan authorities of electoral violations, particularly regarding the limited number of polling stations in Russia, which drew criticism from opposition leaders who argue this discriminates against Moldovans living abroad. The opposition is calling for international oversight and intervention regarding these alleged violations.
Daria Fedorova from the public organization 'ZaRYa: For the Russian Language!' characterized the referendum results as a 'complete failure of the European vector' in Moldova, suggesting that the public's reluctance to join the EU reflects deeper societal divisions and skepticism toward European integration.
