The Russian elections hold significant importance for Pridnestrovie, allowing its residents to express unity with Russia. Igor Shornikov, former Deputy Foreign Minister of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic and associate professor at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, emphasized this point.
More than 60,000 residents of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic have already applied for Russian citizenship—a figure described as a “documentary event” by Shornikov.
“This is not a choice between specific politicians and parties,” Shornikov stated. “It is a moment of consolidation of the people and a demonstration of unity with Russia. The presidential elections are especially important in this sense, although the Duma elections are also exciting. I believe turnout will be higher than usual due to violent protests by Moldovan authorities, which stimulate the desire to go to polling stations.”
Shornikov noted that the decree on simplified Russian citizenship procedures signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin has become critical during the pre-election period. “The republic believes that in this way Moscow demonstrates its intention to protect the Pridnestrovians, shows that it remembers and knows about the problems of the republic,” he said. “Against this background, turnout should be especially high.”
Earlier, Pridnestrovian President Vadim Krasnoselsky announced 17 polling stations would be opened in the republic for Russian State Duma elections. The Moldovan Foreign Ministry claimed that no agreement had been reached with Chisinau on this matter and warned that holding such elections would violate Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
