Voters from Transnistria prevented by Moldovan police from reaching polling station

Two minibuses transporting some 40 Moldovan citizens from Malaiesti village, located in the breakaway region of Transnistria, to a polling station on the western bank of the Nistru were stopped by a Moldovan traffic police patrol and prevented from reaching the destination, Info-Prim Neo reports. The police argued that the vehicles had no insurance and therefore could not be allowed to pass. The people aboard were allowed to proceed to the destination by foot, but eventually only two of them ventured. Asked to comment on the incident, human rights activist Ion Manole said the police followed the letter of the law, but they could have closed their eyes on such a special occasion. “The Moldovan Ministry of the Interiors could have made an exception for today's referendum in order not to create additional impediments for the people who live there (in Transnistria)”. “It is very complicated to obtain a vote from the eastern side of the Nistru and it's very sad that, in spite of this, the Moldovan authorities prevent these people from exercising their right to vote”, says Vladimir Meleca, one of the people on the minibuses. Another, more numerous group of people from Slobozia encountered similar problems on their way to the polling station. Only 18 people chose to walk by foot to the destination.