Russian election triggers row with Moldova over voting in separatist region

In the wake of Russia's 2021 parliamentary election, a diplomatic dispute has emerged with Moldova over the Kremlin's decision to open 15 polling stations in the separatist Transdniestria region. Moldova, which has a pro-Western government aiming for European Union membership by 2030, objects to the Kremlin's plan to allow 220,000 Russian passport holders from the region to vote in the State Duma election.

The Russian government maintains that 220,000 pro-Russian residents of Transdniestria are entitled to participate in the election for the State Duma. Eastern Moldova's authorities have denounced the Kremlin's proposed 15 polling stations as "unacceptable and hostile," summoning the Russian ambassador to express their disagreement.

Russia responded by urging Moldova to abandon its objections and cease actions that "contradict democracy, international law, and common sense." Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihail Popsoi warned Moscow against interfering in Moldova's efforts to peacefully reintegrate the breakaway territory. In the 2021 Russian parliamentary election, Moscow opened 27 polling stations in the region, with over 59,000 voters casting ballots – 76.2% of them supporting United Russia, the party loyal to President Vladimir Putin.