The Government of Canada informed the Moldovan authorities that the Canadian legislation does not allow opening polling places by third countries outside embassies. The decision was communicated to Moldova’s Embassy in Canada following the request to authorize the opening of three polling places for the February 24 elections on Canada’s territory, in accordance with the Central Election Commission’s decision.

“By a letter of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa, the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova was informed that the given decision is based on the Canadian legislation that does not allow opening polling places on Canada’s territory for the elections of 2019,” it is said in a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova.

The Ministry does not specify if a polling place will be established at Moldova’s Embassy in Ottawa or not.

Asked by IPN to comment, the head of the Public Relations and Mass Media Division of the Central Election Commission Rodica Sîrbu said the Commission is examining the note of the Canadian authorities and is considering solutions for ensuring the right to vote of the Moldovans abroad. The solutions will be announced later.