The close results of Moldova's constitutional referendum on EU membership raise the risk of a pro-Russian government taking office in 2025 that would end Moldova's European integration and potentially complicate neighboring Ukraine's resistance to Russia's ongoing invasion. On Oct. 20, Moldova held the first round of its presidential election and a concurrent referendum on adding the country's aspirations to join the European Union to its constitution. Pro-European President Maia Sandu won the presidential ballot after receiving 42% of the vote, with second place going to pro-Russian challenger Alexandr Stoianoglo, who received 26%. But Sandu's failure to secure at least 50% in the first round means she will compete against Stoianoglo in a runoff vote on Nov. 3. Meanwhile, the constitutional referendum just barely passed, with only 50.4% voting in favor of securing Moldova's course toward EU membership and 49.6% voting against it. The razor-thin margin of victory -- and particularly...
