Moldova rejects Russia’s Transnistria polling plan

Moldova's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has criticized Moscow's plan to open additional polling stations for elections to the Russian State Duma in the unrecognized Transnistrian region.

NewsMaker stated this in an article, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.

"The opening by Russia of an additional 16 polling stations in the Transnistrian region for elections to the Russian State Duma is unacceptable without the consent of Moldova's constitutional authorities," the diplomats said.

The Moldovan Foreign Ministry was responding to a statement by Vadim Krasnoselsky, leader of the unrecognized Transnistrian region, who said that 17 polling stations would be opened in Transnistria for the Russian State Duma elections.

The ministry noted that Moldova recognizes the right of foreign citizens residing on its territory to participate in elections organized by their respective countries.

"However, this right must be exercised with full respect for Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The organization of electoral processes by foreign states on the territory of the country must be agreed in advance with the constitutional authorities in Chisinau," the ministry said.

It noted that the Russian Embassy in Moldova had agreed with the country's authorities to open a single polling station in Chisinau.

"Under these circumstances, Russia's intention to additionally open 16 polling stations in the Transnistrian region without the consent of Moldova's constitutional authorities is unacceptable and constitutes a violation of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Moldova's Foreign Ministry said.

Earlier, Transnistrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky said that 17 polling stations would be opened in Transnistria in September for the Russian State Duma elections. Moldova's Bureau for Reintegration, commenting on the statement, said that opening such polling stations on Moldovan territory without the consent of the country's constitutional authorities would be illegal.

According to the Transnistrian leader, 220,000 Russian citizens live in Transnistria.

As reported, Moldovan President Maia Sandu strongly reacted to Russian President Vladimir Putin's decree simplifying the procedure for Transnistrian residents to obtain Russian citizenship, calling it a tool for mobilization for the war against Ukraine.

Photo: Chat GPT