Russia’s parliamentary election has sparked a diplomatic dispute with Moldova over Moscow’s plan to establish 15 polling stations for Russian citizens in Moldova’s breakaway Transdniestria region.
Russia says about 220,000 residents of the pro-Russian territory hold Russian passports and are entitled to vote in Sunday’s State Duma election.
However, Moldova’s pro-Western government disputes the figure and says Russian citizens should vote only at a single polling station located at the Russian Embassy in the capital, Chisinau.
Moldovan authorities have rejected the planned polling stations in Transdniestria, arguing that the separatist region is outside the government’s control and that elections there cannot be properly administered.
Earlier this week, Moldova described Russia’s plan as “unacceptable and hostile” and summoned Russian Ambassador Oleg Ozerov for an explanation.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova urged Moldova to withdraw its objections, accusing the country of taking actions that contradict democracy and international law.
Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihail Popsoi, meanwhile, called on Moscow not to interfere with Moldova’s efforts to peacefully reintegrate the breakaway territory.
During Russia’s previous parliamentary election in 2021, 27 polling stations were opened in Transdniestria, where more than 59,000 people voted. Official results showed that 76.2% supported the United Russia party, which backs President Vladimir Putin.
Transdniestria declared independence from Moldova during the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990 and remains internationally unrecognised. Russia has about 1,500 troops stationed in the region, which Moscow describes as peacekeepers.
The dispute comes amid wider tensions between Moldova and Russia, as Chisinau pursues closer integration with the European Union and opposes Russia’s war in Ukraine.
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