The issue of freedom of movement must be addressed so that Transnistrian region voters can also vote in the November 1 presidential election. President Igor Dodon spoke about this issue in the context of the intentions of Tiraspol authorities to impose restrictions on leaving the region until December 1.
"The current Dniester crossing regime, which I will not name a border, but a Security Zone, is an illegal one. I have said it more than once, and I have repeatedly addressed the Transnistrian region leader, Vadim Krasnoselski, that we have to return to that travelling regime that was in effect before March 1", said Igor Dodon during the "Președintele Răspunde" show.
The head of state said that it has come to his attention that the Transnistrian region wants to extend crossing restrictions until December 1. However, the president said that he hopes that restrictions will be lifted in the near future, in early or mid-October.
Asked whether the elections should be recognized as valid, given that Transnistrian citizens will not be able to vote, Igor Dodon referred to the risks associated with polling stations abroad. According to him, the Central Electoral Commission has requested the opening of more than two hundred polling stations abroad; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these countries may not allow opening the required number of polling stations. The president said that "even in these conditions, elections must be recognized, because elections take place all over the world in similar conditions".
