Moldova’s president has accused “criminal groups” of undermining a referendum on European Union membership.
The EU referendum asked voters to choose whether to enshrine in the country’s constitution a path toward the EU.
After around 95% of votes were counted, approximately 52% voted no, while 47% voted yes.
However, ballots cast among the country’s large ex-pat population are still being counted.
“Criminal groups, working together with foreign forces hostile to our national interests, have attacked our country with tens of millions of euros, lies and propaganda, using the most disgraceful means to keep our citizens and our nation trapped in uncertainty and instability,” said President Maia Sandu.
“We have clear evidence that these criminal groups aimed to buy 300,000 votes – a fraud of unprecedented scale.
“Their objective was to undermine a democratic process,” she added.
Polls by WatchDog, a Chisinau-based thinktank, show a clear majority of more than 50% support the EU path.
Voters also took part in the first round of the presidential race.
If Ms Sandu fails to win an outright majority, a run-off will be held on 3 November which could pit her against Alexandr Stoianoglo, a Russia-friendly former prosecutor general who is polling at around 10%.
The two ballots are being held amid ongoing claims by Moldovan authorities that Moscow has intensified an alleged “hybrid war” campaign to destabilize the country and derail its EU path.
The allegations include funding of pro-Moscow opposition groups, spreading disinformation, meddling in local elections, and backing a major vote-buying scheme.
