Polling stations for Russian State Duma elections open in Transnistria despite Moldova’s protest

Polling stations for the Russian State Duma elections opened in Transnistria on September 3, 2023, despite Moldova's protest. Over 21,000 people had already cast their votes by noon, according to local media. The polling stations were scheduled to remain open until 8:00 PM. Vadim Krasnoselsky, the unrecognized leader of Transnistria, also participated in the voting.

A total of 17 polling stations were opened in the region, though the exact number remains inconsistent, with only 15 addresses published. The sole polling station approved by Moldovan authorities is situated at the Russian Embassy in Chisinau. Krasnoselsky suggested that the number of residents with Russian citizenship might rise in future elections, possibly due to the decree simplifying Russian citizenship acquisition by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Before the elections, Transnistrian authorities released the addresses for 15 polling stations in eight cities, which caused concern as Moldova had not been consulted by Chisinau. The Moldovan Foreign Ministry condemned these actions, stating that any polling station opened without Moldova's consent was an unfriendly move. The Ministry had previously denounced Moscow's plans to open additional polling stations in Transnistria for the Russian State Duma elections.

On September 3, Moldova summoned Russia's ambassador-designate, Oleg Ozerov, and delivered a protest note regarding the additional 16 polling station openings.