The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration profoundly regrets the situated created in the presidential runoff, when Moldovans from the diaspora were unable to vote. Statements on the issue were made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Galbur in a press briefing.
The minister noted that the institution did its best for the voting at polling places outside the country to run smoothly, in accordance with the law.
“The Ministry had to manage 100 polling places. Of these, 60 were opened outside embassies. The process went smoothly, without problems. At a number of polling place, not all the citizens could exercise the right to vote. The Ministry profoundly regrets this situation. It made effort to ensure everything is done in accordance with the legislation,” stated Andrei Galbur, who noted that the decision to establish polling places outside the country is approved by the Government after all the other issues are considered.
The minister said the number of polling places established this year was higher than the previous years. “The number of polling places was higher compared with the previous years: by five more than in 2014 and by 25 more than in 2010. The voters were also given a number of concessions. They were allowed to vote with the expired passports,” stated Andrei Galbur.
The official said problems appeared because the current legislation does not envision such a situation. “It is a system problem that is not related to a concrete person or institution,” he noted.
Andrei Galbur also said that the Ministry, alongside other responsible institutions, is trying to identify solutions to avoid similar situations in the future, most probably by amending the Election Code.
“I do not want to comment on the political aspects and connotations of the accusations leveled at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” added Andrei Galbur.
A number of Moldovans didn’t manage to vote at polling places established overseas in the presidential runoff on November 13 because the ballots were used up. Dissatisfied, representatives of the diaspora filed complaints and sued the Central Election Commission.
