50.46% of Moldovan voters back EU accession in a referendum on October 20, 2024 (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

With nearly 1.5 million votes counted in the EU referendum held Sunday, the “Yes” vote stood at 50.46% to 49.54%, according to the Central Electoral Commission. The difference between those supporting and those opposing EU membership was just 13,000 votes. As a result, the goal of EU membership will be added to the Moldovan Constitution, requiring all future governments, regardless of party, to work toward it.

After the referendum results were announced, many senior EU officials congratulated the pro-EU side. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said, "We are proud to be one of Moldova's strongest allies and supporters. We understand that Moldova 's future lies within the EU and we fully support its EU accession part."

The Moldovan electoral commission said Moldovan President Maia Sandu finished first in the initial round of Moldova’s presidential election on Sunday, with 42% of the vote.

Pro-EU Sandu will face off against her main competitor, Alexandr Stoianoglo, who won about 26% of the vote in the first round. Since no candidate received more than 50% of the votes, Moldova will conduct a second round of voting. Analysts believe that the narrow support for EU membership suggests that Ms. Sandu may face a tough challenge in the second round on November 3.