US congratulates Moldova after EU membership vote, warns of Russian interference in upcoming runoff

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated the people of Moldova on Tuesday for their participation in the country’s recent presidential election and referendum on European Union accession.

He warned, however, against Russian interference in the runoff presidential election on Nov. 3.

"Facing unprecedented Russian efforts to deny the Moldovan people their right to choose their own future, a majority of Moldovans voted to amend their constitution to advance Moldova’s accession to the EU," Blinken said in a statement.

"As we look ahead to Moldova’s runoff presidential election on November 3, the United States remains concerned Russia will again attempt to prevent Moldovans from exercising their sovereign right to choose their own leaders," he added.

Blinken noted that the US will continue to support Moldova’s efforts to ensure a credible, transparent and democratic process on Nov. 3.

Moldova's referendum to enshrine the country’s path to EU membership in the country's Constitution yielded a narrow ‘yes’ vote.

According to the latest data from Moldova's Central Electoral Commission (CEC) on Monday, 50.42% of voters supported the constitutional amendment while 49.58% voted against it based on 99.82% of the ballots counted.

On Sunday, Moldovans headed to the polls for a presidential election in which incumbent President Maia Sandu, seen as pro-Western, is seeking a second term in office.

According to the latest data from the CEC, Sandu received 42.31% of the vote while her closest competitor, Alexandr Stoianoglo, received 26.07%, paving the way for a runoff for the country’s presidency on Nov. 3.