Acting Prime Minister Aureliu Ciocoi asks the Central Election Commission to make sure that the opening of three polling stations in the settlements that are partially under the control of the constitutional authorities is supported by the OSCE Mission, the Joint Control Commission and the self-styled authorities of the Transnistrian region, IPN reports.
The Premier does not see a problem in the establishment of the three polling stations - two in the municipality of Tighina/Bender and one in Corjova village of Dubăsari district – if the OSCE Mission can guarantee the security of voting there so as not to endanger the whole electoral process.
“Tighina city is under joint management. 95% of the people living in the municipality of Tighina are citizens of the Republic of Moldova. It is crucial to consult the OSCE Mission so that this comes up with very clear rules as to the conditions in which the elections can be held at those stations. We must see if the OSCE Mission is ready to guarantee the security of voting at those stations,” Aureliu Ciocoi stated in the talk show “Black Box” on TV8 channel.
As to the polling stations intended for the diaspora, the official said the figure of 146 stations approved by the CEC wasn’t discussed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is responsible for the proper holding of elections outside the country. Some of the CEC members’ argument that there is no financial backing for the stations designed for the diaspora is not plausible.
“I would plead for a discussion, even in a closed format, between the CEC and the Ministry so as to agree the number of polling stations, taking also into account the precarious financial situation. The amounts need to establish these stations are not so large as the whole logistical structure is taken over by the Ministry and financing from the CEC is not needed. The CEC only remunerates the members of electoral bureaus. There are signs showing that many people want to work at the bureaus for free,” stated Aureliu Ciocoi.
The Central Election Commission decided to establish 146 polling stations for the Moldovans who are outside the country for the July 11 snap parliamentary elections, by seven stations more than it decided initially. The decision was challenged in the Appeals Court by a number of parties.
