Ahead of the parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova, scheduled for September 28, 2025, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has decided to open only two polling stations in the Russian Federation.
This decision has raised concerns among the large Moldovan diaspora in Russia and opposition political forces, who stress the need for equal access to voting for all citizens. Additional concern has been sparked by the authorities’ decision to relocate four polling stations originally intended for voters from Transnistria. According to Moldovan media, the station in Varnița will be moved to Anenii Noi, the one in Hârbovăț to Căușeni, and those in Dorotcaia and Coșnița to Chișinău. Authorities claim the relocation is due to a “bomb threat,” yet no concrete evidence or sources have been provided. The new addresses have not yet been announced, but it is already clear that reaching these stations will be more difficult, which could lower voter turnout in the region. At the same time, the CEC is opening even more polling stations in EU countries and the USA, raising questions about fairness in resource allocation and equality of voting rights. Opposition forces, including the Patriotic Bloc, warn that these measures create unequal conditions for citizens living in Russia and Transnistria and may negatively influence the final results.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova insists that all necessary measures are being taken to guarantee citizens’ equal access to elections. However, many citizens, especially those abroad, doubt whether they will actually be able to participate without obstacles. Ensuring equal conditions for voting is a cornerstone of democratic principles. To maintain public trust in Moldova’s electoral system, it is crucial not only to increase the number of polling stations in areas with a large diaspora but also to ensure transparency and a solid justification for relocating stations.
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