Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration on Russia’s intention to open polling stations in Transnistrian region

The Russian Federation’s intention to open polling stations in the Transnistrian region for elections to the State Duma, without the agreement of the constitutional authorities of the Republic of Moldova, calls Moscow’s credibility as a mediator in the Transnistrian settlement process into question. The statement was made by Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri, who commented on the issue during a TV show.


“I look at this through the lens of the dossiers I manage. And I ask myself how a country that claims to be a mediator in this process, within a format that no longer exists, could have the credibility to continue in this capacity. As long as you openly defy the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, the consequence of such behavior and such an approach in no way adds credibility to this status,” said Valeriu Chiveri.


Asked how ballots get from the Russian Federation to the Transnistrian region and, subsequently, how completed ballots are transported back to Russia, Chiveri said that he did not know the exact mechanism but pointed to a possible route, based on his experience in diplomacy.


“I do not know exactly how the ballots get there. I know how a diplomatic system works. And I realize that this could take place through diplomatic mail, managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Chisinau. This would be an explanation I could offer from the perspective of my previous work in this field,” the deputy prime minister explained.


Chiveri emphasized that, from the perspective of his responsibilities, the issue goes beyond the mere organization of elections and concerns respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.

According to information announced by the Russian side, 17 polling stations are expected to be opened in the Republic of Moldova for the State Duma elections—one in Chisinau and 16 in the Transnistrian region.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) today summoned the designated ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Moldova and handed him a note of protest. The measure concerns the Russian Federation’s intention to open 16 polling stations in the districts on the left bank of the Dniester for the State Duma elections.

The MFA previously stated that the Republic of Moldova recognizes the right of foreign citizens residing on its territory to participate in elections organized by the countries of which they are citizens. However, the exercise of this right must “fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.” Therefore, the organization of electoral processes by foreign states on the country’s territory “must be coordinated in advance with the constitutional authorities in Chisinau.”

The State Duma elections will take place on 18-20 September.