Voting process at some polling stations abroad likely to be difficult

Chisinau, 28 October /MOLDPRES/- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration / MAEIE / announced that due to the COVID -19 pandemic, restrictions have been set in some countries such as France, Spain, Ireland and Israel, which could create difficulties in the 1 November voting process.

According to a press release, the MAEIE notes that since 17 October 2020, France has imposed for a period of four weeks, some restrictive measures for night traffic between 21:00 - 6:00 in some French localities.

"The measures will affect the activity of polling stations in the cities: Paris, Montreuil, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, Lyon, Strasbourg and Nice, not affecting Bordeaux. The Moldovan Embassy in Paris will issue night traffic permits for members of the polling stations. Through social media ads and in diaspora groups, the Paris embassy recommends that voters visit polling stations before 9pm to exclude any fines from the authorities. "

The Irish authorities have declared the highest level of restrictions for the whole country by 1 December 2020, which implies certain travel restrictions within 5 km of the person's residence, which would limit the possibility to travel to polling stations in the country. In such circumstances, the Moldovan Embassy in Dublin requested the reconfirmation of the permit and other instructions aimed at opening the 4 polling stations in Ireland and clarifications whether voters' trips to polling stations can be considered essential, so allowed, without amending the Moldovan citizens and guaranteeing the right to vote.

In Spain, the government of this country approved on October 25, in an extraordinary meeting, the state of alarm for 15 days. According to the decision, isolation at home is not required, but mobility restrictions are imposed between the provinces with the possibility of travel only for the needs argued: travel to work, doctor. To avoid the difficulties of moving Moldovan citizens to the polls, our diplomatic mission provided confirmation letters published on the official pages, which can be used by compatriots to certify their intention to travel between provinces, to polling station locations.

In the context of pandemic situation, the Moldovan Embassy in Israel published a confirmation letter addressed to Israeli authorities and other interested institutions or persons, confirming that the presidential elections will take place on 1 November 2020. Moldovan citizens in the country are asked to print or download this document in electronic format on mobile phone to be shown upon request.

Eight candidates will fight in the 1 November election for the presidency.

photo: MAEIE