 | DEMILITARIZATION IS NEEDED to repair the strained relations between Moldova and Pridnestrovie. A look back at history shows how lasting peace can become a reality. [more] |  | | |  | FACT AND FICTION blend in how the world sees Pridnestrovie, also known as Transnistria. In this guide, get just the facts and none of the fiction... [more] |
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International observers call election preparations of Transnistria vote "lawful, well-regulated, democratic"
More than 200 election observers are present as Pridnestrovie (also known as Transnistria) votes this Sunday. Four candidates compete for the presidency of the new and emerging country. This is the fourth presidential election since independence was declared in 1990.
Trailing the field: Of the four candidates in the race, businessman Peter Tomaily (poster shown) has campaigned the leastTIRASPOL (Tiraspol Times) - In Tiraspol, the capital of Pridnestrovie - also called Transnistria - international observers call election preparations "lawful, well-regulated, democratic." The statements took place as polling stations were preparing for Sunday's rush of voters to the fourth presidential elections in the unrecognized country's sixteen year history.
Four candidates compete for the top job in the small state and the winner will be chosen by the 390,000 citizens who are registered to vote. Current president Igor Smirnov, 65, is seeking re-election with three challengers also seeking his post: Communist candidate Nadezhda Bondarenko, opposition journalist Andrey Safonov and an entrepreneur, Peter Tomaily.
The term is for five years. As in past elections, MPs and parliamentary delegations from nearby countries have arrived to oversee the vote, along with numerous other international election observers.
If a single candidate fails to obtain an absolute majority, of at least 50% plus one vote, the two top vote getters will enter a run-off election.
- Opposition candidates criticize favoritism of incumbent
Two of the three challengers to incumbent president Igor Smirnov complain of unfair campaign conditions and of favoritism.
Communist Party candidate Nadezhda Bondarenko, a female journalist, accused state media of favoring Igor Smirnov and of not devoting enough news time to the opposition.
Outspoken Smirnov-critic Andrey Safonov, owner of the country's largest opposition newspaper, had a different complaint: His presidential bid was initially refused registration due to the presence of false signatures supporting his candidacy. He had to go to court to get the decision overturned, and by the time he was finally allowed to stand, there was very little time left to campaign.
Peter Tomaily, the third candidate, has not complained but also did not launch a high profile campaign. Even on election day, many voters still don't know him or his political program. In an online Internet opinion poll prior to the vote, Tomaily finished last; obtaining even fewer web-votes than the "None of the above" option.
- International observers give high marks to election organizers
Vladimir Marchenko, the leader of the Confederation of Labour of Ukraine, noted Saturday that "Pridnestrovie has already established itself as an independent State, and from the standpoint of international law, the election of the President is a legitimate process." According to the election observer, those who will not recognize this simple fact is guilty of double standards.
A former presidential candidate from Ukraine also came out in support of the transparent and democratic way in which this election has been organized.
" - The fourth presidential elections in Pridnestrovie is a sign of the maturity of the republic. They are lawful and well-regulated, like in any other serious democratic country," said Natalia Vitrenko, the founder and leader of The Progressive Socialist Party of Ukraine.
In their sixteen years of existence, the people and authorities of Pridnestrovie have built a lawful, well-regulated internal governance system. They have built political institutions; through elections they have selected their own authorities and developed a legislative framework. By going to the polls this Sunday, the voters of the new and emerging country demonstrate that they are committed to the internationally accepted practice of democratic elections. Peacefully voting to decide who will lead them for the next five years, Pridnestrovie is showing that the people's will must be respected.
- Citizen Wathdog hotline established by observers
A CIS-EMO election monitoring delegation established a Citizen Watchdog phone number where voters can anonymously report any irregularities that they may encounter during Sunday's presidential vote.
Igor Boris, on behalf of the foreign observers, asked mass media to publish the number, tel. +373 - 777 - 77720, and urged voters to anonymously report any voting irregularities or concerns, no matter how small.
" - PMR wants this election to be a triumph for democracy. We want to make sure that this is indeed what happens, so if there is anything that we should know about, call this number," said the CIS-EMO delegation member.
Transnistria, or Pridnestrovie as it is officially called, declared its independence on September 2, 1990, during the general breakup of the Soviet Union. Located to the east of the Republic of Moldova, between the Dniester River and Ukraine, the new republic - whose full name is Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublica - established full sovereignty over a fixed territory of 4,163 sq km with a total of 816 km of defined, demarcated borders and nearly 600,000 inhabitants.
See also:
» Council of Europe meets PMR Parliament; evaluates democracy progress
Protesters supporting two left-wing parties in Pridnestrovie demand the early resignation of President Igor Smirnov. They blame Smirnov for an increase in food prices and disagree with his government's economic policies. The demand came at a protest rally held in Tiraspol, which was billed as the largest opposition rally in the young country's 18 year old history. . . 
