The rights of Moldovan voters in Russia are being restricted under false pretexts by the Central Election Commission, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, said today, September 17.
The reaction came after Chisinau decided to reduce the number of polling stations for the presidential election and the constitutional referendum on European integration, citing security concerns.
“As representatives of the Central Election Commission of Moldova noted, this year the security situation in our country has allegedly “significantly deteriorated” and Russia is allegedly “not safe” for the opening of polling stations. The absurdity and isolation from reality of such statements is obvious. The Russian side has repeatedly expressed its readiness to provide all necessary assistance in organizing voting to Moldovan citizens living in our country. There have never been any problems with security.” – the diplomat stressed.
He added that the relevant decision of the Moldovan authorities had already been discussed in the Republic of Moldova itself, where it caused a “wide negative resonance”.
“Moldovans living in Russia considered this to be outright discrimination. It is clear that in Chisinau, the Moldovan diaspora in our country is actually being deprived of the opportunity to speak out on the most important issues of the life of their homeland, which is a blatant violation of human rights and democratic norms.” – Zakharova noted.
The spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry said that in the Russian Federation, according to the Central Election Commission of Moldova, more than 8,000 voters have pre-registered, while only 5 polling stations are open. And in Italy, where less than 2.5 thousand citizens indicated their desire to vote, the figure is 60. This measure by the Chisinau official fits into the “line of repression of any dissent, persecution of the opposition and independent media” of the country’s authorities.
“This can only be considered a manifestation of the fear and uncertainty of the ruling regime about its own victory if it plays on equal terms with the opposition, as well as the continuation of the process of exterminating the electorate of those candidates who oppose the breaking of ties with our country,” — concluded Maria Zakharova.
It should be recalled that the day before, the Central Election Commission of Moldova decided to open 234 polling stations abroad. Initially, it was said that there would be between 17 and 29 polling stations in the Russian Federation. However, the Commission later changed its decision, citing “deteriorating security levels.”
“The security situation in Russia has deteriorated significantly during 2024. Taking into account these risks, the organization of elections in Russia must be carried out with extreme caution and the locations for polling stations must be chosen taking into account air defence and the security of public order.” – the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Moldova stated.
In addition, the number of voting stations for citizens living in Transnistria has been reduced. It is proposed to use 30 voting stations instead of 42 stations open for the 2020 presidential elections.
As reported EADaily The CEC proposes to open the largest number of polling stations in Italy: 60. This is followed by Germany (26), France (20), Great Britain (17), the United States (16), Romania (16), Spain (11), Ireland (10). In other countries, from one to six sites.
