EU condemns 'unprecedented' Russian manipulation attempts in Moldova

London [UK], October 23: The European Union accused Russia of "unprecedented" meddling in the recent votes in Moldova that were seen as among the most pivotal in the country's post-Soviet history.
"The European Union condemns the unprecedented malign interference by Russia into Moldova's presidential elections and constitutional referendum," said the statement published by EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell on behalf of the bloc's 27 member states.
Moldovans were called to vote in a constitutional referendum and presidential election on Sunday.
The referendum saw a wafer-thin majority of just 50.38% in favour of irrevocably anchoring the EU course in the constitution as a strategic goal.
The incumbent pro-Western head of state, Maia Sandu, won a first-round victory in the presidential election with 42.45% of the vote and will face a run-off election in November against former attorney general Alexandry Stoianoglu, who won 25.98% of the vote in the first round.
The referendum was targeted by a "massive interference and a hybrid campaign by Russia and its proxies to undermine the democratic vote" in the country located between Romania and Ukraine, the EU said.
Source: Qatar Tribune