Dorin Recean: Polling stations on the left bank of the Nistru only after national reintegration
Prime Minister Dorin Recean announced that no polling stations will be opened on the left bank of the Nistru until the Republic of Moldova is fully reintegrated and separatist elements are removed. He made this statement during a question-and-answer session, emphasizing that he does not consider any alternatives in the absence of these conditions.
"The Republic of Moldova will organize free and fair elections, including on the left bank of the Nistru, once the country is reintegrated and the separatist elements are eliminated", said Prime Minister Dorin Recean.
In response, Vadim Krasnoselski, the self-proclaimed leader of Tiraspol, stated that the separatist authority has "special mechanisms" for elections. He mentioned, "We have our central electoral commission. If a request comes in, we will examine it."
Voters from the Transnistrian region, which is de jure part of the Republic of Moldova but de facto controlled by separatist authorities in Tiraspol, can participate in Moldovan national elections through polling stations located outside the region, on territory controlled by Chișinău. These stations are designated exclusively for citizens residing on the left bank of the Nistru and in the municipality of Bender, who possess Moldovan identity documents.
During presidential elections and national referendums, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) sets up special polling stations in localities close to the separatist region. For instance, in the upcoming elections on October 20, 2024, 30 polling stations will be established in 21 localities, including the districts of Dubăsari, Anenii Noi, Căușeni, Criuleni, Rezina, Florești, and the municipality of Chișinău.
Additionally, the Parliament has designated September 28 as the date for early parliamentary elections, and the Central Electoral Commission is preparing the necessary documents to organize the elections.
