CEC considers setting up extra polling places on Nistru's right bank

The Central Election Commission (CEC) is considering to open additional poling stations on the right bank of the Nistru to counterbalance their absence on the other side of the river, which is controlled by separatist authorities. This possibility was discussed on Thursday between CEC chairman Eugen Stirbu and Charalampos Christopoulos, the Special Envoy of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for frozen conflicts. CEC said in a press release the measure aims to provide the two constituencies formed on the left side of the Nistru with places where Moldovan citizens can cast their ballots. For his part, Charalampos Christopoulos gave assurances that OSCE will offer all the support needed to solve the problems which could arise from the voting of Moldovan citizens who reside in the Transnistrian region. The OSCE official added that the upcoming parliamentary elections will be a test of democracy for Moldova. Over 230 OSCE/ODIHR observers will ask the CEC for authorization to watch the April polls.