As Duma elections approach, Moldova says no to polling stations in Transnistria

The Republic of Moldova will not accept polling stations for Russia’s legislative elections in the eastern region of the country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration said. According to the cited source, following a request made by the Russian Embassy, Moldova’s MFA informed the Russian party that opening of polling booths for Duma elections are legally possible only in the premises of the Russian Embassy in Chisinau. Moldova urges the Russian authorities to refrain from opening polling stations in the eastern region of the country, which is outside the control of the legal authorities, as well as from using mobile ballot boxes in the cities of Balti and Comrat. In case illegal polling stations are opened in the Transnistrian region, the full responsibility for the consequences will be on those who organised them, while such actions will be deemed interference in the domestic affairs of Moldova, the Moldovan MFA added. According to press reports, 24 polling stations for the Russian Duma elections due on December 2 are planned to be opened in Transnistria.