External influences shape Moldova's referendum results
The results of the referendum are indicative of a hidden effect—a last-minute and massive mobilisation, according to experts.
During the "Good Morning" program on Moldova 1, public policy expert Sorin Ioniță stated that external influence continues to dominate in the Republic of Moldova, and public opinion has been manipulated to the fullest extent.
Ioniță asserts that the referendum results represent a boycott by those opposed to Maia Sandu. "This is a reproach aimed at Maia Sandu, as part of the anti-EU propaganda involved linking the referendum to her image, suggesting that if one wishes to vote against her, they should come and vote 'no' in the referendum. We believed that the manipulated populace would stay home, thereby boycotting the referendum. The substantial voter turnout was not widely anticipated; again, the polls indicated completely different results," he specified.
Furthermore, Ioniță argues that little effort has been made to inform public opinion about the nature of the referendum. "I believe this occurred due to an inertia stemming from existing public opinion measurements; consequently, little effort has been made in this regard, while significant resources have been directed toward mobilizing voters. It seems to me that party leaders, ministers, the government, and parliamentarians have not been sufficiently present in the communities to genuinely explain what this referendum is and its implications. There is indeed significant external interference, and a considerable portion of public opinion has been manipulated in ways that are well-known," he concluded.
The referendum regarding the European integration of the Republic of Moldova is expected to succeed. This is the response from MEP Siegfried Mureșan, who was recently re-elected as president of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with the Republic of Moldova. Mureșan stated on social media that the close result does not indicate that our country is divided; rather, despite propaganda and significant Russian involvement, the people found the strength to choose Europe. He expressed that the European integration of the Republic of Moldova is ongoing and that the support and involvement of the European Union will be more crucial than ever.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
