CIVICUS discusses Moldova’s referendum on its plans to join the European Union (EU) with Ion Manole, human rights defender and Executive Director of Promo-LEX, a civil society organisation working for democracy and human rights in Moldova.
On 20 October, alongside the first round of the presidential election, Moldovans voted in a referendum to change the constitution to include a commitment to join the EU. Just over half the voters backed the proposal. The campaign was marred by disinformation and multiple allegations of Russian interference. In the presidential race, incumbent Maia Sandu won the run-off election on 3 November with 55 per cent, defeating pro-Russia challenger Alexandr Stoianoglo. The results mean Moldova will strengthen its ties with the EU rather than Russia, but they also show a divided society where ongoing Russian influencing attempts can be expected.
