The Security and Intelligence Service warns about risks to national security in connection to future parliamentary elections.
Based on the analysis of security risks and vulnerabilities, SIS notes the emergence of first signs of threat to the proper conduct of the early parliamentary elections set for July 11, 2021. The warning signs are generated by the Decision no. 4965 of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC), namely setting up polling stations for the voters on the left bank of Nistru river, Bender municipality.
The risks result from the decision to set up three polling stations, namely: one in Corjova village from Dubăsari district, and the other two in Bender municipality – which is an area with enhanced security regime, out of the control of the constitutional authorities of the Republic of Moldova and without the possibility to intervene in case of potential incidents. Also, it would be impossible to ensure the unbiased activity of the polling station teams – free from influence of the illegal paramilitary groups from Tiraspol, as well as the attendance and safety of national and international observers etc. In this regard, the mentioned situations create circumstances for electoral fraud at these polling stations.
Unfortunately the CEC did not consult with the SIS on the above-mentioned decision, in terms of risks and threats from the Tiraspol regime, which constantly opposed and banned any type of national elections on the controlled territory.
The opinion of the SIS is based not only on information available at the institutional level but also on incidents recorded in previous years. For example, the so-called secessionist administration always opposed opening of polling stations on territory of the Transnistrian region, referring to the so-called exclusive right of the Tiraspol “central electoral commission” to organize elections. Therefore, the access to Bender municipality was restricted, and often prohibited, for the polling station team of Varnița that was visiting prisons No. 8 and 12 with a mobile ballot box. Sometimes the access was granted only after the intervention of the OSCE.
During 2019 parliamentary elections, the Transnistrian paramilitary groups seized computers and other goods for the polling station of Hagimus village, Căușeni district.
In reference to Corjova commune from Dubăsari district, we mention that the so-called administration from Tiraspol regards it as part of the Dubăsari city. Therefore, it categorically rejects any electoral activities organised by the constitutional authorities on that territory. Every election until 2011, the so-called militia and groups of “Transnistria Defenders” blocked the access to the polling station, in some cases it was even vandalised on the election day. Subsequently, the authorities decided to move the polling station from Corjova to Cocieri village, in order to prevent further destabilization.