A knife-edge majority of 50.17% voted "yes" in Moldova's pivotal referendum on joining the European Union, nearly final results showed on Monday, after President Maia Sandu said Sunday's twin votes had been marred by "unprecedented" outside interference.

The tight finish - with fewer than 1.5% of the ballots still to be counted - is far from a resounding endorsement of the pro-EU path that Sandu has pursued over four years at the helm of the small ex-Soviet republic tugged between Russia and the West.

A presidential election, which took place simultaneously, handed Sandu 42% of the vote while her main rival, former prosecutor-general Alexandr Stoianoglo won 26%, setting up a tightly fought run-off between the two on Nov. 3.

The votes, which took place after a slew of allegations of election meddling, were seen as a test of the southeast European nation's commitment to join the European Union and escape Moscow's orbit for good.

The tight referendum result puts Sandu in a weaker position going into the second round since she has championed EU integration.

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Moldova began the long process of formal accession talks in June and under Sandu has aimed to join EU by 2030. Ties with Moscow have deteriorated as Sandu condemned the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine and diversified energy supply away from Russia.

Stoianoglo has said that, if he comes to power, he would develop a "balanced" foreign policy involving ties with the EU, Russia, United States and China. He boycotted Sunday's referendum, calling it a ruse to boost Sandu's haul at the election.

<h2>‘Clear evidence’</h2>

In the early hours of Monday, Sandu addressed Moldovan citizens, saying there was "clear evidence" that criminal groups working together with "foreign forces hostile to our national interests" had sought to buy off 300,000 votes.

She said this amounted to "fraud of unprecedented scale".

"Criminal groups... have attacked our country with tens of millions of euros, lies and propaganda, using the most disgraceful means to keep our citizens and our nation trapped in uncertainty and instability," she said.

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In the run-up to the vote, authorities made repeated statements alleging concerted attempts to meddle in the vote by fugitive tycoon Ilan Shor, who lives in Russia.

Russia, which accuses Sandu's government of "Russophobia", denied interfering, while Shor denies wrongdoing.

The police accused Shor, who was sentenced to jail in absentia for fraud and a role in the theft of $1 billion, of trying to pay off a network of at least 130,000 voters to vote "no" and support "our candidate" at the election.

Shor has openly offered on social media to pay Moldovans to convince others to vote in a certain way and said that was a legitimate use of money that he earned.

In the early hours of Monday, he declared Moldovans had voted against the referendum.

"Today I congratulate you, you lost the battle," he added, addressing Sandu simply as Maia.

Ahead of the vote, authorities took down online resources they said hosted disinformation, announced they had uncovered a programme in Russia to train Moldovans to stage mass unrest and opened criminal cases against allies of Shor.

As the early results came in late on Sunday, some 57% of Moldovans initially appeared to have voted "no" in the referendum. As more ballots were counted, the "yes" vote gradually rose, overtaking "no" early on Monday morning.

Political analyst Valeriu Pasha said the "yes" vote had edged ahead only because of unusually high voter turnout among the Moldovan diaspora living abroad, who largely support EU integration.

"With such elections, in which dozens of (percentage points) can be bought, it will be very difficult for us going forward. But we must learn lessons and learn to fight this phenomenon," he said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A knife-edge majority of 50.17% voted "yes" in Moldova's pivotal referendum on joining the European Union, nearly final results showed on Monday, after President Maia Sandu said Sunday's twin votes had been marred by "unprecedented" outside interference.

A knife-edge majority of 50.17% voted "yes" in Moldova's pivotal referendum on joining the European Union, nearly final results showed on Monday, after President Maia Sandu said Sunday's twin votes had been marred by "unprecedented" outside interference. The tight finish - with fewer than 1.5% of the ballots still to be counted - is far from a resounding endorsement of the pro-EU path that Sandu has pursued over four years at the helm of the small ex-Soviet republic tugged between Russia and the West. A presidential election, which took place simultaneously, handed Sandu 42% of the vote while her main rival, former prosecutor-general Alexandr Stoianoglo won 26%, setting up a tightly fought run-off between the two on Nov. 3. The votes, which took place after a slew of allegations of election meddling, were seen as a test of the southeast European nation's commitment to join the European Union and escape Moscow's orbit for good. The tight referendum result puts Sandu in a weaker position going into the second round since she has championed EU integration. Also Read | Canada 'bed fellow' of those trying to challenge our sovereignty: Indian envoy Moldova began the long process of formal accession talks in June and under Sandu has aimed to join EU by 2030. Ties with Moscow have deteriorated as Sandu condemned the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine and diversified energy supply away from Russia. Stoianoglo has said that, if he comes to power, he would develop a "balanced" foreign policy involving ties with the EU, Russia, United States and China. He boycotted Sunday's referendum, calling it a ruse to boost Sandu's haul at the election. ‘Clear evidence’ In the early hours of Monday, Sandu addressed Moldovan citizens, saying there was "clear evidence" that criminal groups working together with "foreign forces hostile to our national interests" had sought to buy off 300,000 votes. She said this amounted to "fraud of unprecedented scale". "Criminal groups... have attacked our country with tens of millions of euros, lies and propaganda, using the most disgraceful means to keep our citizens and our nation trapped in uncertainty and instability," she said. Also Read | Sergei Lavrov slams US nuclear talks proposal, labels it 'strategic deception' In the run-up to the vote, authorities made repeated statements alleging concerted attempts to meddle in the vote by fugitive tycoon Ilan Shor, who lives in Russia. Russia, which accuses Sandu's government of "Russophobia", denied interfering, while Shor denies wrongdoing. The police accused Shor, who was sentenced to jail in absentia for fraud and a role in the theft of $1 billion, of trying to pay off a network of at least 130,000 voters to vote "no" and support "our candidate" at the election. Shor has openly offered on social media to pay Moldovans to convince others to vote in a certain way and said that was a legitimate use of money that he earned. In the early hours of Monday, he declared Moldovans had voted against the referendum. "Today I congratulate you, you lost the battle," he added, addressing Sandu simply as Maia. Ahead of the vote, authorities took down online resources they said hosted disinformation, announced they had uncovered a programme in Russia to train Moldovans to stage mass unrest and opened criminal cases against allies of Shor. As the early results came in late on Sunday, some 57% of Moldovans initially appeared to have voted "no" in the referendum. As more ballots were counted, the "yes" vote gradually rose, overtaking "no" early on Monday morning. Political analyst Valeriu Pasha said the "yes" vote had edged ahead only because of unusually high voter turnout among the Moldovan diaspora living abroad, who largely support EU integration. "With such elections, in which dozens of (percentage points) can be bought, it will be very difficult for us going forward. But we must learn lessons and learn to fight this phenomenon," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Moldova President Maia Sandu criticises ‘unprecedented’ vote meddling as EU referendum goes to the wire

The Rajya Sabha today witnessed an unprecedented 11 adjournments amid a clash between the government and the opposition over how an anti-graft bill should be passed and continued disruptions that prompted the Chair to lament the “murder of democracy”. While the House was first adjourned till 2 PM within 20 minutes after it met at 11 AM due to unrelenting opposition protests, it saw ten adjournments in a row in a space of three hours, after it re-convened in the afternoon.

Chairman Venkaiah Naidu called the protests, which have not allowed any business to be transacted since the House met on March 5, as a “murder of democracy”.

Naidu expressed displeasure over repeated disruptions since Parliament met early last month for the second half of the Budget session. He requested members to return to their seats and at least pass the anti-corruption bill. He said handful of people were obstructing proceedings over their agenda.

When the House met at 2 PM, members of Congress, AIADMK, BSP, CPI-M, AAP, TDP and YSR were in the Well holding placards and shouting slogans — “Narendra Modi – Dalit Virodhi” (Narendra Modi is anti-Dalit) and “Dalit virodhi yeh sarkar, nahi chalegi” (this anti-Dalit government will not be tolerated).

Amid the din, the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2013 was taken up for consideration and passage by Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, who asked Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh to move the bill for consideration, saying he would proceed with it as no member has given their name for a debate on it.

The bill aims to make giving a bribe a specific offence like taking a bribe and seeks to modify the definitions and penalties for such offences, among other things.

When the minister said the bill should just be passed without debate, Kurien asked TMC member Sukhendu Shekhar Ray, who had moved amendments to it, whether he would seek a division to enable voting on his amendments. As Ray insisted on a division, Kurien said the division cannot be taken up as the House is not in order.

Congress Deputy Leader Anand Sharma then raised a point of order saying the new members, who took the oath over the past few days, had not been given division numbers which enables them to exercise their voting right. He said in such a situation, the bill cannot be passed. But Kurien said “this bill is important. If it is not passed, it will have the impact on all government programmes. This bill is in the interest of the country. Therefore, the bill has to be passed” and urged the protesting members to go back to their seats.

The Opposition wants discussion and the government is ready for it, he said and asked the protesting members to take the opportunity to prove their majority at the time of voting.

However, as the exchanges, as well as the noisy protests from the Well, continued, Kurien adjourned the House briefly.

Following this, he held a series of backroom negotiations with leaders of major parties. The House saw repeated adjournments as the discussions in the Chair’s chamber continued.

When the House resumed after a couple of adjournments, Ray again insisted on a division, as other opposition members continued to raise slogans from the Well.

In the melee, Minister Jitendra Singh sought the passage of the bill without debate. “Pass it without the debate by a voice vote as per the sense of the nation,” he said.

Singh also said the government has zero tolerance for corruption. “Those watching today’s proceedings will know who is preventing the bill.” “The bill has gone through the standing committee and time and again it has been discussed over the last four years,” he said.

Referring to Anand Sharma’s point that new members had not been allotted division numbers, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said, “Let us give you (new members) a slip. You can write yes or no. Already the bill has been moved for consideration. I request you to take this bill forward. We have to pass with the voice vote.”

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel said “if the House is put to ransom like this and no bills are allowed to be passed, how will the government function? This (bill) should be passed. They (Opposition) have not allowed the House to function, now they want discussion.”

As an unrelenting opposition continued their slogan shouting, the Chair agreed for the division and said, “I wish to take the division and proceed. So, please go back to your seats.”

But as his pleas went unheeded, Kurien said he was sad that the House has not been able to transact any business.

However, Ray said he cannot press for division unless the lobbies are cleared and order is maintained in the House. “If you (chair) cannot do it, then adjourn the House,” he said. As the unruly scenes continued, the Upper House was finally adjourned for the day after witnessing 10 brief adjournments.

While the House was first adjourned till 2 pm within 20 minutes after it met at 11 am due to unrelenting opposition protests, it saw ten adjournments in a row in a space of three hours, after it re-convened in the afternoon.

The Rajya Sabha today witnessed an unprecedented 11 adjournments amid a clash between the government and the opposition over how an anti-graft bill should be passed and continued disruptions that prompted the Chair to lament the “murder of democracy”. While the House was first adjourned till 2 PM within 20 minutes after it met at 11 AM due to unrelenting opposition protests, it saw ten adjournments in a row in a space of three hours, after it re-convened in the afternoon. Chairman Venkaiah Naidu called the protests, which have not allowed any business to be transacted since the House met on March 5, as a “murder of democracy”. Naidu expressed displeasure over repeated disruptions since Parliament met early last month for the second half of the Budget session. He requested members to return to their seats and at least pass the anti-corruption bill. He said handful of people were obstructing proceedings over their agenda. When the House met at 2 PM, members of Congress, AIADMK, BSP, CPI-M, AAP, TDP and YSR were in the Well holding placards and shouting slogans — “Narendra Modi – Dalit Virodhi” (Narendra Modi is anti-Dalit) and “Dalit virodhi yeh sarkar, nahi chalegi” (this anti-Dalit government will not be tolerated). Amid the din, the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2013 was taken up for consideration and passage by Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, who asked Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh to move the bill for consideration, saying he would proceed with it as no member has given their name for a debate on it. The bill aims to make giving a bribe a specific offence like taking a bribe and seeks to modify the definitions and penalties for such offences, among other things. When the minister said the bill should just be passed without debate, Kurien asked TMC member Sukhendu Shekhar Ray, who had moved amendments to it, whether he would seek a division to enable voting on his amendments. As Ray insisted on a division, Kurien said the division cannot be taken up as the House is not in order. Congress Deputy Leader Anand Sharma then raised a point of order saying the new members, who took the oath over the past few days, had not been given division numbers which enables them to exercise their voting right. He said in such a situation, the bill cannot be passed. But Kurien said “this bill is important. If it is not passed, it will have the impact on all government programmes. This bill is in the interest of the country. Therefore, the bill has to be passed” and urged the protesting members to go back to their seats. The Opposition wants discussion and the government is ready for it, he said and asked the protesting members to take the opportunity to prove their majority at the time of voting. However, as the exchanges, as well as the noisy protests from the Well, continued, Kurien adjourned the House briefly. Following this, he held a series of backroom negotiations with leaders of major parties. The House saw repeated adjournments as the discussions in the Chair’s chamber continued. When the House resumed after a couple of adjournments, Ray again insisted on a division, as other opposition members continued to raise slogans from the Well. In the melee, Minister Jitendra Singh sought the passage of the bill without debate. “Pass it without the debate by a voice vote as per the sense of the nation,” he said. Singh also said the government has zero tolerance for corruption. “Those watching today’s proceedings will know who is preventing the bill.” “The bill has gone through the standing committee and time and again it has been discussed over the last four years,” he said. Referring to Anand Sharma’s point that new members had not been allotted division numbers, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said, “Let us give you (new members) a slip. You can write yes or no. Already the bill has been moved for consideration. I request you to take this bill forward. We have to pass with the voice vote.” Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel said “if the House is put to ransom like this and no bills are allowed to be passed, how will the government function? This (bill) should be passed. They (Opposition) have not allowed the House to function, now they want discussion.” As an unrelenting opposition continued their slogan shouting, the Chair agreed for the division and said, “I wish to take the division and proceed. So, please go back to your seats.” But as his pleas went unheeded, Kurien said he was sad that the House has not been able to transact any business. However, Ray said he cannot press for division unless the lobbies are cleared and order is maintained in the House. “If you (chair) cannot do it, then adjourn the House,” he said. As the unruly scenes continued, the Upper House was finally adjourned for the day after witnessing 10 brief adjournments.

Rajya Sabha witnesses an unprecedented 11 adjournments in a single day

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