Romanian citizens in the Republic of Moldova must participate in large numbers in Romania’s presidential and parliamentary elections and vote for candidates they know and who genuinely represent them. This appeal comes from Iurie Ciocan, former president of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC), the current leader of the PSD Romania organization in the Republic of Moldova, and a candidate in Romania’s upcoming parliamentary elections. The statement was made during an interview with the Romanian publication Gandul.
“In the Republic of Moldova, we have 1,200,000 Romanian citizens, individuals who have regained their citizenship and, therefore, have the right to vote. A significant amount of Moldovan citizens reside abroad, including in Romania and other EU member states.
Surveys show that approximately 22–25% of people living in the Republic of Moldova hold dual citizenship, including Romanian citizenship. This represents about 300,000 people who, according to estimates, are physically present on the territory of Moldova,” said Iurie Ciocan.
According to Ciocan, Romanian voters in the Republic of Moldova have a clear orientation toward European values and strengthening relations with Romania.
“They are undoubtedly 100% pro-European individuals who support the Republic of Moldova’s integration into the European Union. Many view this integration as achievable through Romania, emphasizing closer ties with Romania. About 30% of the population, according to surveys, supports and desires the reunification of Moldova with Romania, and this profile is also present,” the PSD leader added.
Ciocan also noted that in recent years, dissatisfaction with the limited involvement of certain Romanian leaders has diminished the enthusiasm of this electorate.
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“For example, the current President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, during his 10-year mandate, has visited Chisinau only twice, I believe. In contrast, the current Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, has been to Chisinau more than five or six times in the past year alone, on official visits meeting with Moldova’s leadership and establishing common lines and directions for collaboration. I believe Romanian citizens in Moldova will demonstrate greater pragmatism in the upcoming elections. They will not vote for individuals they do not know or those who have not dedicated sufficient time and attention to Moldova,” Ciocan stated.
Additionally, the PSD candidate emphasized the need for a direct voice for Moldovans in Romania’s legislative body.
“We want representation in the Romanian Parliament. Until now, over these 30-plus post-Soviet years, we have not had direct political representation of our interests. This representation has always been carried out indirectly, through political parties, in a depersonalized manner,” said the PSD leader in Moldova.
It is worth noting that voting for Romania’s presidential elections began today. In Moldova, 59 polling stations are open, with 16 in Chisinau.
The parliamentary elections will happen on December 1, with voting abroad scheduled over two days, Saturday and Sunday. Iurie Ciocan is running on the PSD list in Constituency 43, which covers the diaspora, including the Republic of Moldova.