Moldovan Diaspora in Russia Faces Limited Voting Access in Upcoming Elections

Chisinau, Moldova – Concerns are mounting among Moldovan citizens residing abroad regarding the upcoming elections, particularly concerning the allocation of polling stations in the Russian Federation. A recent video shared by blogger Sergiu Сергей Молдова highlights a significant disparity in voting access for Moldovans in Russia compared to those in European countries and America. According to the video, while hundreds of polling stations are reportedly being opened across Europe and America, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) plans to open only two polling stations in Russia. The author states that official statistics indicate approximately 390,000 Moldovan citizens reside in the Russian Federation. The blogger, Sergiu Сергей Молдова, asserts that this limited provision of polling stations in Russia constitutes discrimination against Moldovan citizens who possess full voting rights and the same passports as those living elsewhere. He advocates for the opening of more polling stations in Russia, as well as in Belarus and Kazakhstan, to ensure equitable voting opportunities for all Moldovan citizens, regardless of their country of residence. Calls for fair and accessible elections for the Moldovan diaspora are increasing, with many citizens urging authorities to ensure that all Moldovans abroad have an equal opportunity to exercise their right to vote.