Where does the diaspora vote? Most polling stations set up in Italy, Russia, and Israel – two in each
Nearly 300 polling stations will be available for Moldovans living abroad during the parliamentary elections on September 28. The Central Electoral Commission (CEC), following proposals from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, released preliminary information for public consultation regarding the potential locations of these polling stations. A total of 294 stations are planned across more than 41 countries, and the list of the locations is now available online.
According to the data presented, the organization of polling stations will be as follows:
- Italy: 73 polling stations
- Germany: 36 polling stations
- France: 26 polling stations
- Romania: 23 polling stations
- United Kingdom: 23 polling stations
- United States of America: 22 polling stations
- Spain: 14 polling stations
- Ireland: 12 polling stations
In Ukraine, two polling stations will be proposed, located in Kiev and Odessa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) also suggests opening two polling stations in Russia, specifically in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Additionally, two polling stations will be established in Israel. Mihai Popșoi, the head of diplomacy in Chisinau, clarified that the organization of polling stations in Israel and Russia will only be possible if safe conditions are ensured for citizens and the electoral process.
At the same time, only one polling station is planned in the following countries: Sweden, Hungary, Japan, Qatar, Poland, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, India, China, Bulgaria, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Finland, Cyprus, Iceland, and Kazakhstan.
The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) urges citizens who will be abroad on election day to register in advance. The registration deadline is August 14 at 23:59 (Moldovan time), through the official platform. This registration allows authorities to accurately estimate the number of voters and determine where polling stations are needed effectively.
The final decision on the number and locations of polling stations abroad will be made by the CEC by August 24, in accordance with the established deadline in electoral legislation.
