Moldovans narrowly vote to secure the country’s path toward EU membership

Associated Press

CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — Moldovans have voted by a razor-thin majority in favor of securing the country’s path toward European Union membership. The weekend ballot nearly caused a major setback for the pro-Western president who accused “criminal groups” of trying to undermine the vote. But with 99.41% of the 1.4 million votes counted, the “Yes” vote stood at 50.39%, to 49.61% who voted “No,” according to the Central Electoral Commission. In the presidential race that was held at the same time, incumbent Maia Sandu won the first round with 42% of the vote in a field of 11, but failed to win an outright majority. She will face Alexandr Stoianoglo, a Russia-friendly former prosecutor general, in a runoff on Nov. 3.