For many Moldovans, President Maia Sandu has become a symbol of change as she seeks to chart a new pro-European path for the former Soviet Republic. Since Moscow invaded Moldova's neighbor Ukraine, Sandu has lobbied for the West to support her country and hear its concerns that it could be the Kremlin's next target.

A slim majority of 50.39% voted "yes" in Moldova's crunch referendum on European Union accession, preliminary results showed, after President Maia Sandu said that Sunday's twin votes had been marred by "unprecedented" outside interference.

President Maia Sandu secured a victory in the first round of Moldova’s presidential election, but suffered a blow as an expected victory in a referendum on the country joining the European Union was too close to call with almost all votes counted.

A knife-edge margin of 50.09% voted "yes" in Moldova's pivotal referendum on joining the European Union, partial results showed on Monday, after President Maia Sandu said Sunday's twin votes had been marred by "unprecedented" outside interference.

Early results based on a fraction of the vote showed 56% of Moldovans voting "no" at Sunday's referendum on their EU aspirations and put incumbent Maia Sandu just a few percentage points ahead of her rival at the presidential election.

In Moldova, the processing of voter protocols for the presidential election and the constitutional referendum on Euro-integration is nearing completion. Incumbent President Maia Sandu is receiving the majority of votes;