Moscow's Plan to Set Up Polling Stations in Transnistria Draws Chisinau's Condemnation

Moscow's Election-Site Plan Draws Fire in Moldova

According to Рубрика — Політика: Moldova's Foreign Ministry has condemned Russia's proposal to create additional voting precincts for the Russian State Duma election inside breakaway Transnistria. The ministry said 16 new polling places would be unacceptable unless approved by the country's constitutional authorities, arguing that Moscow's move violates Moldova's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The criticism follows an announcement by Vadim Krasnoselsky, head of the unrecognized Transnistrian Moldovan Republic, that the region plans to host 17 polling stations for the Russian legislative vote. He cited 220,000 Russian citizens living in Transnistria. Moldovan officials responded that any foreign-run electoral activity on Moldovan soil must first be coordinated with the constitutional bodies in Chisinau.

Chisinau's Sovereignty Stance

While acknowledging the right of foreign nationals to cast ballots, the Foreign Ministry stressed that this right cannot override Moldova's sovereignty.

"The opening by Russia of 16 additional voting stations in the Transnistrian region for the Russian State Duma election is unacceptable without the consent of Moldova's constitutional authorities," the statement said.

The country's Reintegration Bureau echoed that point, calling such stations unlawful in the absence of approval from the constitutional government.

The Russian Embassy in Moldova has agreed with local authorities on opening just one polling station in Chisinau, underscoring the restricted scope of election logistics Moldova is willing to accept. "Against this backdrop, Russia's intention to open 16 more stations in the Transnistrian region without the approval of Moldova's constitutional institutions amounts to a breach of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the ministry said.

This dispute highlights the friction between Moldova and Russia over Transnistria, a contested territory with an unrecognized status. Launching new polling sites without Chisinau's consent risks escalating the standoff and straining bilateral ties, as Moldova seeks to guard its sovereignty against foreign influence. It also fits a broader pattern of geopolitical competition in the region, where the interests of multiple states frequently collide.