The Moldovan authorities approved the establishment of a voting center at the Russian Embassy for the Russian presidential elections. This development was reported by news outlets. The Russian diplomatic mission stressed that the Moldovan Foreign Ministry had notified diplomats on February 7 about the decision to permit voting on the embassy premises. The Foreign Ministry of Moldova also stated that opening voting centers in the breakaway region of Transnistria remains unacceptable and not in line with national policy.
Earlier, a senior official from the Russian foreign ministry, responsible for relations with Commonwealth of Independent States countries, indicated that Moscow pressed Chisinau not to block Russian citizens on Moldovan soil from taking part in the 2024 presidential elections. The emphasis was on ensuring that eligible voters could participate regardless of where they reside within the country, within the framework of applicable laws and bilateral arrangements.
The Russian presidential elections were scheduled for March 17, 2024, with a three-day voting window spanning March 15, 16 and 17. In addition to traditional polling, a number of precincts planned to conduct remote electronic voting to expand accessibility for voters who could not reach polling stations in person.
Official statements from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that ballot boxes for the presidential elections would be accessible in all countries where diplomatic missions and consulates are located. This assertion underscored the claim that citizens abroad should be able to participate in the electoral process through appropriate channels.
In another development, a former leader of a major political grouping in Russia reportedly gathered signatures in support of a committee or council connected to the election process, illustrating ongoing political activity surrounding the event.”