Speaker’s reaction to Russia’s intention to open polling stations in Transnistrian region

Speaker Igor Grosu described the Russian Federation’s intention to open 16 polling stations in the Transnistrian region for the State Duma elections, without coordinating with the constitutional authorities in Chișinău, as “a defiance of the Republic of Moldova.”

He noted that according to the information available to him, the Moldovan authorities are aware of only one polling station operated by the Russian Federation on the country’s territory, organized at the Embassy of the Russian Federation.


“These matters were not coordinated with the constitutional authorities of the Republic of Moldova. Clearly, this is defiant behavior by the Russian Federation, and we will analyze and address it accordingly,” Igor Grosu said.


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 Chișinău and 16 in the Transnistrian region.

Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) 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 districts on the left bank of the Dniester for the State Duma elections.

The MFA previously said that the Republic of Moldova recognizes the right of foreign citizens residing on its territory to participate in elections organized by the states 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 Chișinău.”

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