"We are waiting for the final results, and we will respond with firm decisions," she said in a written statement circulated by her team.
Early results, based on a fraction of the vote, showed 56 per cent of Moldovans voting "No" at the referendum on their EU aspirations and put incumbent Ms Sandu just a few percentage points ahead of her rival at the presidential election. The results given on the Central Election Commission's website were changing in real time, but could represent a major political setback for Ms Sandu's pro-Western government if they hold.
With 34 per cent of ballots counted, the election commission gave Ms Sandu 35 per cent of the vote, putting her only just ahead of Alexandr Stoianoglo, 57, a former prosecutor-general backed by the pro-Russian Party of Socialists, which it gave 29 per cent.
That result would pave the way to a potentially tight secondround run-off against Mr Stoianoglo. Though the results could still change as more ballots were counted, particularly among the country's large Western-based diaspora, they were a shock for Ms Sandu's team.
With the war in Ukraine raging to the east, the former Soviet republic has accelerated its push to escape Moscow's orbit and embarked on the long process of EU accession talks. Voters were asked to choose "Yes" or "No" in the referendum on whether to enshrine in the country's constitution its path towards joining the 27-nation EU.
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin October 21, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin October 21, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Nepotism debate behind NBA's first father-son act
LeBron and Bronny James are set to become the first father and son to play on the same team in tonight's season opener
The moment Verstappen ended Norris's title hopes
So often a figure of joviality in the Formula One paddock, Lando Norris did not muck around at the end of the US Grand Prix.
Klopp can thrive at Red Bull despite the betrayal taunts
Not everyone is thrilled by Jurgen Klopp's new global role
Clubs seek answers to fresh Newcastle takeover claims
Leaked WhatsApp messages appear to contradict the 'legally binding assurances' of the separation between the Public Investment Fund and the Saudi state
Airlines at Gatwick fight for pilots in recruitment push
EasyJet offers captains a salary of up to 170k to attract staff
'I've lost friends and family members - but right's right'
Andrew Feinberg speaks to the former Trump voters who are now planning to pull the lever for Kamala Harris - and the campaign politicos who came up with an unusual strategy
Blinken heads to Israel in hopes of ceasefire progress
US secretary of state Antony Blinken is heading to the Middle East, making his 11th trip to the region since the war in Gaza erupted last year and as Israel steps up attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon and operations in the Gaza Strip.
South Korea recalls envoy over claims North Korean forces helping Putin's war
South Korea yesterday demanded the immediate pullout of North Korean troops allegedly deployed in Russia as it summoned the Russian ambassador to protest deepening military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Moldova commits to join EU after narrowest of votes
Incumbent president Maia Sandu claims that foreign forces with links to Russia tried to influence referendum's outcome
Woman admits assault after milkshake attack on Farage
A woman has admitted throwing a milkshake over Nigel Farage while he was campaigning in Essex ahead of this summer's general election.