Moldova narrowly voted in favor of joining the European Union, with 50.4% backing the move, according to near-final results.

President Maia Sandu called it a significant step toward the EU but condemned foreign interference, accusing external actors of trying to undermine the process by buying votes.

Sandu secured 42.3% of the vote in the presidential election, leading pro-Russian candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo, but will face a tight run-off on November 3, CNN has reported.

Foreign groups, including Kremlin-linked networks, allegedly attempted to sway the referendum.

Written by B.C. Begley