Moldova’s Constitutional Court on Thursday officially recognized the results of a referendum held on October 20, which sought to amend the constitution to reflect the country’s aspiration to join the European Union (EU).

The referendum coincided with the first round of presidential elections and resulted in a narrow majority, with approximately 50.38% of voters supporting the constitutional amendment. However, the electoral process faced allegations of fraud, as President Maia Sandu publicly condemned what she described as an “unprecedented assault” on democracy. Sandu accused organized criminal groups, purportedly backed by foreign entities, of attempting to manipulate the vote through financial means and misinformation campaigns.

Despite these allegations, the turnout for the referendum exceeded the necessary threshold for validity. The European Commission had previously indicated in June 2024 that Moldova had met the criteria to begin formal negotiations for EU membership. After the court’s ruling, President Sandu reaffirmed her government’s commitment to pursuing EU integration.  This ruling comes amid heightened concerns over Russian influence in Moldova, particularly following Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine. Previously, the US, UK, and Canadian governments issued a consolidated statement denouncing Russia’s purported interference in Moldova’s presidential election.

The allegations included but were not limited to attempts to sway public opinion through misinformation campaigns and direct intimidation tactics aimed at voters, directly impacting the free and fair character of the country’s electoral process. In furtherance, the United States and several European states have expressed support for Moldova’s democratic processes and its aspirations for EU membership, viewing these developments as essential for regional stability and security.