On October 20, Moldovans cast their ballots in both a presidential election and a constitutional referendum — and the results shocked many.

In the referendum, which asked whether the country should change its constitution to include the goal of joining the European Union, the “yes” vote won by just over 50 percent. Meanwhile, in the presidential election, pro-E.U. incumbent Maia Sandu came in first but failed to win an outright majority. 

The day after the vote, Sandu accused “criminal groups” of attempting to undermine the democratic process by working with foreign forces to try and buy as many as 300,000 votes. Now, she’ll face pro-Russian candidate and former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo in a high-stakes run-off scheduled for November 3. 

What does all of this say about Moldova’s political landscape and future foreign policy orientation? To find out, The Naked Pravda spoke to Moldovan journalist and writer Paula Erizanu and Ecaterina Locoman, a senior lecturer in international studies at the University of Pennsylvania’s Lauder Institute. 

Timestamps for this episode:

• 
  (3:05 ) Judiciary Reforms and Controversies
• 
  (6:25 ) The Referendum and Its Implications
• 
  (9:47 ) Election Day Atmosphere and Concerns
• 
  (12:28 ) Post-Election Developments and Fraud Allegations
• 
  (17:01 ) Russia’s Influence and Moldova’s Future
• 
  (21:26 ) Impact of the Ukraine War on Moldova
• 
  (23:14 ) Kremlin’s Strategy and Moldova’s Challenges
• 
  (25:03 ) Public Opinion and the E.U. Referendum
• 
  (30:37 ) Moldova’s Path Forward

Prefer reading over listening? Subscribe to Meduza’s weekly newsletter The Beet to receive abridged excerpts from this episode.

Как поддержать нашу редакцию — даже если вы в России и вам очень страшно