Russia's Moldova voting request sparks diplomatic tensions
In a recent development, the Russian Federation has formally requested the Moldovan government's consent to establish polling stations for the upcoming presidential elections slated for March.
The authorities in Chisinau are currently engaged in a thorough examination of the request and are expected to deliver their response in the coming days, according to details reported by Olga Stăvilă.
The core of the matter lies in Russia's call for the Moldovan authorities to open voting stations within the Republic for the presidential elections scheduled from March 15 to 17. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration has confirmed that the request is under scrutiny, promising a timely response. Notably, Moldova has never previously granted approval for the establishment of polling stations in regions outside the jurisdiction of constitutional authorities, a point stressed by the Ministry's spokesperson, Igor Zaharov.
The situation takes on added complexity as Kiev authorities announce their refusal to acknowledge voting in territories annexed by Russia, encompassing Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporojie, Herson, and Crimea. In response, they are urging the international community to impose sanctions on those involved in organising these contested elections.
Adding to the diplomatic tension, Russian authorities hint at the possibility of not opening voting sections in certain countries deemed "unfriendly" by the Kremlin during future Russian elections. This includes 49 states that have openly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The political landscape intensifies as Vladimir Putin, at the age of 71, officially declares his candidacy for a new term in the 2024 presidential elections. Putin, a figure who has held sway in Russia since 1999, is now eyeing an unprecedented fifth term.
Recalling the 2018 Russian presidential elections, approximately 400 voting sections were established in consulates across 145 countries. Notably, nearly 450,000 people cast their votes abroad, with a majority expressing support for Putin. The contentious issue of voting sections in Transnistria is revisited, where almost 74,000 Russian citizens participated, despite Russia's claim of having 220,000 citizens in the region.
In a parallel narrative, the legislative elections in the State Duma held in July 2021 saw Russia open 30 voting sections in the Republic of Moldova. An overwhelming majority, 27, were strategically placed in Transnistria, marking a significant diplomatic move and setting a record for the highest number of voting sections opened in a foreign country. The evolving dynamics underscore the intricate geopolitical dance leading up to these crucial electoral events.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
