The Central Election Commission’s decision to establish 139 polling stations outside the country goes against the human rights and will not ensure the realization of the right to vote of all the citizens, said ombudswoman Maia Bănărescu. According to her, the CEC should review its decision or this will lead to the violation of the basic right to vote and to stand as a candidate at elections, IPN reports.

In a press release, the Ombudsperson’s Office says the experience of the previous elections shows the efforts made by the state haven’t been sufficient to ensure the necessary conditions for all the citizens who are outside the country and who wanted to exercise the right to vote, owing to the low number of polling stations and ballots. That’s why Maia Bănărescu recommended again, including in her annual reports, to increase the number of polling stations for the Moldovans abroad and of ballots, approving of the steps taken by the authorities in this regard.

According to the ombudswoman, the ensuring of the right to vote of all the citizens regardless of the place of stay, is an obligation of the state that derives from the Constitution and the international treaties of which the Republic of Moldova is a party.