More than 97% of the voters in Pridnestrovie chose the course of independence in a plebiscite monitored by international observers. Moldova called it “illegitimate” and refused to recognize it. Why? Because the results did not turn out as Moldova wished. But the popular will of the people is the source of all legitimate power and it can never be illegitimate.
When the United States declared its independence from Great Britain it was also called illegitimate by the King. But Americans persisted in their desire to be free and independent. It took 5 years of war, but in the end, they were recognized to be - in fact - free and independent States.
The United States Declaration of Independence states:
"That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that, as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other things which independent states may of right do."
American freedom is based upon the principle of the consent of the governed. Today, Pridnestrovie has made its choice to join the other sovereign nations of the world as an independent State. Regardless of what some may think, this decision was freely made by the people themselves, and therefore cannot be regarded as “illegitimate” or otherwise false. Voters in Pridnestrovie have shown, loud and clear, that they do not consent to be governed by Moldova.
While King George regarded the American colonies declaration of independence as “illegitimate”, Americans forcefully claimed their rights to be free and independent and fought the American Revolution to attain their Republic. Pridnestrovie likewise had to fight to defend its wish for independence in 1992 and has since remained free of Moldovan sovereignty and interference.
The historical fact is that Pridnestrovie has never been a part of Moldova except for a short time when by force Stalin joined Pridnestrovie and Moldova to form the MSSR. Moldova renounced this union in 1989 and again in its Declaration of Independence in 1991 affirming the ”the equal rights of peoples and their right to self-determination” ... the very same "equal rights of peoples and their right to self-determination" which it now seeks to deny Pridnestrovie.
This refusal by Moldova has caused Pridnestrovie to be falsely considered an unrecognized and, Moldova says, illegitimate country. Yet Pridnestrovie, performing all the actions of a sovereign country, has built its own economy, upgraded its infrastructure, and created a government and society which is becoming more and more democratic all the time - if we will allow it to, and if we don't force the people to armed struggle to secure their independence. With armed struggle comes the rule of the strong. This is not what the region needs. It needs democracy, and with a turnout of almost 80%, the people of this small and unrecognized country have shown that they are prepared to go to the polls. Now they ask: Will the world respect their wish to decide their own future through a democratic vote? Or must they take stronger measures to be heard?
Democratic countries should lead the way in recognizing the wish of the people for a free Pridnestrovie, united among all ethnic groups in their wish for independent statehood. Moldova should also recognize that what is fair is fair. There is justice in truth, and the truth is that Pridnestrovie has never, at any time in the past, belonged to an independent Moldovan state. And, judging by the very legitimate popular will of the people, nor will it in the future.
Professor William G. von Peters is an internationally known physician, lecturer and educator with numerous titles and awards to his name. Among many of his democracy building activities, he also holds the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Service Corps where he is Tennessee Division Commander. The opinions expressed here are his own.