Transnistria's demand for more polling stations 'lacks legal basis'
A request from the breakaway region of Transnistria to open 41 polling stations for an upcoming Moldovan election "lacks a legal basis," according to a top official.
Pavel Postica, vice-president of Moldova's Central Electoral Commission (CEC), said the demand was part of a "concerted effort." Speaking on the Moldovan TV program "PE FAȚĂ," he stated that the coordinated requests were "unprecedented" for the country.
The authorities in Tiraspol—the capital of the separatist region—had requested the stations for voters on the left bank of the Dniester River for the parliamentary elections on September 28. Their statement claimed the request was in response to "numerous complaints" from citizens and NGOs concerned about a potential reduction in the number of polling places.
According to Mr. Postica, the CEC received requests from several Transnistrian officials, including the "so-called foreign minister" and the "heads of district administrations."
"All of them are identically worded," he said, adding that similar requests were also sent by non-governmental organisations, which he described as "practically non-existent" in the region.
Mr. Postica also raised concerns about the source of the coordinated effort.
"What's more serious to me is that these concerted actions are rooted here in Chișinău," he stated. "It remains to be seen who is connected to these messages and why they have emerged at this particular moment. I, at least, have some answers."
He also highlighted the paradox of the situation, noting that no electoral candidate is able to campaign in the separatist region, yet Transnistrian officials are demanding greater access to the polls.
"Where does all this love for politics in the Republic of Moldova come from?" he asked. "Before we talk about the right to vote, we must also address the right of electoral candidates to go there and campaign."
Legal Requirements
According to Moldova's electoral code, the number of polling stations is based on the average voter turnout from the last three elections. Mr. Postica said this would legally allow for only 10 stations to be opened in the region.
He cited the following turnout figures:
- 2020 presidential elections: over 31,000 voters
- 2021 parliamentary elections: over 28,000 voters
- 2024 presidential elections: over 26,000 voters
"The average comes out to roughly 28,000," he said. "If one polling station is established for 3,000 voters, then, formally, if we follow the Electoral Code to the letter, we must open 10 polling stations."
Mr. Postica noted that in the last election, officials opened 30 stations as a "positive discrimination" measure, but he now fears it is "being used in a way that runs contrary to its intended purpose."
The responsible authorities are scheduled to meet today to decide the final number of polling stations for voters from the left bank of the Dniester. The deadline for establishing the electoral stations is August 24.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
