CEC investigates Russian diaspora registrations for October elections
The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has announced that it will meticulously examine the authenticity of the preliminary registrations of Moldovan citizens residing abroad for the October elections, with particular attention to those from the Russian Federation.
CEC Vice President Pavel Postica informed Teleradio-Moldova of concerns regarding potential financial incentives that might be offered to the Russian diaspora to encourage registration.
“Regarding the engagement of our citizens, including those from the Russian Federation, I personally welcome this involvement, provided it is not influenced by factors not stipulated by law. We have received information suggesting that some individuals may be encouraged through financial incentives to register. We need to assess the authenticity of these registrations, as well as those from other countries where this process is applied. Certainly, when the time comes to set up the polling stations, we will carefully review all these details,” said Pavel Postica.
Moldovan citizens who will be abroad on October 20, the day of the presidential elections and referendum, are encouraged to register in advance to exercise their right to vote. This measure is mandatory for Moldovans in the United States, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland who wish to vote by mail.
According to data collected by the CEC, the diaspora in the Russian Federation has demonstrated significantly higher activity in preliminary registration, despite not being required to do so, compared to Moldovans in other countries, including those required to register to vote by mail.
From May 28, 2024, to August 15, 1,123 Moldovan citizens from Russia have registered in advance for the October 20 election, with a notable increase in recent days. In comparison, figures from other countries are considerably lower, with Germany recording 383 registrations and Italy 376.
There is also a noticeable lack of engagement among Moldovans from the United States, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, who are required to register to vote by mail. So far, 219 people have registered in the USA, 117 in Canada, and only a few dozen from other Nordic countries.
The CEC emphasises that it will consider all these details when organising the polling stations to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
