With more than 98 percent of the votes counted, the referendum showed a razor-thin margin with the yes vote slightly ahead at 50.03 percent and the no camp at 49.97 percent, illustrating the deep divisions among Moldova's electorate regarding EU membership.
President Maia Sandu, facing a tight election, stated that there was clear evidence of attempts by criminal groups in collusion with foreign forces seeking to manipulate the voting process, which raised serious concerns about the integrity of the democratic process in Moldova.
The presidential vote, where Sandu garnered 41.91 percent, reflects a national test on whether Moldova leans towards EU integration or maintains closer ties with Russia, underscoring the geopolitical battle within the region.
The electoral participation of the pro-EU diaspora proved critical; their votes, counted late in the process, provided a last-minute boost for the yes campaign, indicating the significant role of this demographic in Moldova's political landscape.
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