Protest note to Russia’s ambassador

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

The MFA reiterated that “the organization of any electoral process on the territory of the Republic of Moldova requires the prior and explicit consent of the Moldovan authorities.”


“In this context, the institution’s representatives urged the Russian side to refrain from opening polling stations in the left-bank districts of the Dniester,” the MFA emphasized.


Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi announced yesterday that the authorities were preparing a protest note to the Mission of the Russian Federation in Chișinău after Russia announced its intention to open more polling stations on the country’s territory than those authorized for the Russian legislative elections. The official emphasized that the MFA had authorized only the opening of the polling station located at the Russian Federation’s Embassy in Chișinău, and that any polling station opened without authorization “represents an unfriendly act.”

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 their countries of citizenship. However, the exercise of this right must “fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova.” Accordingly, the organization of electoral processes by foreign states on the country’s territory “must be coordinated in advance with the constitutional authorities in Chișinău.”

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