Moldova’s EU referendum in tight finish

A knife-edge majority of people have voted “yes” in Moldova’s pivotal referendum on joining the EU, nearly final results show, after President Maia Sandu said the vote had been marred by outside interference 

50.42% 49.58%

REFERENDUM
On whether to change constitution and commit to joining EU

Kremlin denies being involved in claims of vote-buying

More than 99% of vote counted

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RESULT
Sandu also failed to secure enough votes to win outright in presidential election held on same day

Maia Sandu, Party of Action and Solidarity 42.31%
Alexandr Stoianoglo Party of Socialists 26.07%
Renato Usatîi Our Party 13.80%
Irina Vlah Independent 5.40%
Victoria Furtună Independent 4.46%
Others 7.96%

Sandu now faces closest competitor, Alexandr Stoianoglo, former prosecutor backed by pro-Russian Socialists, in second round on Nov 3

POPULATION
Moldova: 2.5 million
Transnistria: 368,000

Transnistria: Breakaway region run by pro-Moscow separatists, hosts nearly 1,500 Russian troops

50km 30 miles
BLACK SEA
ROMANIA
UKRAINE
MOLDOVA

Chisinau
Tiraspol
Odesa
Dniester River

Sources: Moldova Central Electoral Commission, BBC
Picture: Getty Images
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