With almost 60 percent of ballots counted on Sunday, 55 percent of Moldovans had voted no in a vote that will determine whether the country, which neighbors Ukraine, remains on a pro-Western path.
However, early results also show the incumbent pro-Western president Maia Sandu ahead in the presidential election that is happening alongside the EU referendum. But with only 35 percent of the vote counted, Sandu is unlikely to meet the 50 percent threshold needed for an outright win. If Sandu, aligned with the West and from the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), does not increase her share of the vote, there will be a run-off on November 3.
Her main rival, Alexandr Stolianoglo, a former prosecutor general backed by the traditionally pro-Russian Party of Socialists, has 30 percent of the vote so far.
The twin votes are taking place at a critical time for Moldova.
Polls indicate that Sandu had a sizeable lead over her 10 rivals on the ballot.
Sandu had encouraged Moldovans to vote “yes” in the EU referendum.
“Our fate is decided on Sunday. Everyone’s vote matters, no matter where we are,” she wrote on Facebook on Friday, Al Jazeera reported.
Polls by WatchDog, a Chisinau-based think tank, had shown a clear majority, with more than 50 percent supporting the EU path. The referendum needs a one-third turnout to be valid.
But five presidential candidates had told their supporters to vote “no” or boycott, saying the timing of the referendum is solely to ensure Sandu’s election.
Sandu has been touring the country, saying joining the EU will help improve conditions in one of Europe’s poorest countries.
Moldovans are currently facing high energy prices and inflation, while the minimum wage remains low, at 5,000 lei ($283).