Kremlin Accuses Moldova of Blocking Hundreds of Thousands Moldovan Votes in Russia

The Kremlin has accused Moldovan authorities of restricting voting rights for hundreds of thousands of Moldovan citizens living in Russia during the recent parliamentary elections by limiting polling stations to just two locations in Russia. This limitation severely reduced the ability of Moldovans in Russia, where many tend to support pro-Russian parties, to vote, in contrast to the extensive polling opportunities in European countries where the pro-European ruling party, led by President Maia Sandu, secured a majority. Moldovan officials cited security reasons for the restricted polling capacity in Russia but did not specify details. The pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc, led by former president Igor Dodon and supported by Moscow, came in a distant second and alleged voting suppression, especially in the Transnistria region where Russian troops are stationed. Protests against the election results were limited, and international observers noted the election as a boost for Moldova's pro-European orientation. Additionally, the number of polling stations was significantly increased in Europe to capitalize on votes from the Moldovan diaspora, while being reduced in Russia and Transnistria, further impacting opposition voters' access.