Russia’s decision to open 24 polling places in Moldova’s Transnistrian region arouses bewilderment and concern and does not contribute to developing the good relations established between the two states, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration says in a statement, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. “It is regrettable that despite the position expressed by the Moldovan side, the Russian authorities decided to set up polling places for the December 4 State Duma elections in the Transnistrian region as well,” says the statement. According to the Ministry, the Russian authorities were informed that no impediments to opening polling places exist in the settlements controlled by the Moldovan authorities, not yet in Transnistria. “As to the opening of polling places in Transnistria, the Ministry’s position remains unchanged – no polling places should be established in the Transnistrian settlements that are not under the control of the constitutional authorities,” says the Ministry. On November 28, the Russian Embassy announced that polling places for the State Duma elections will be established in the Transnistrian region too. A total of 24 polling places will be opened in Tiraspol, Bender, Rybnitsa, Dubasari, Slobozia, Grigoriopol and Dnestrovsk. In Chisinau, a polling place will be set up at the Russian Embassy, while in Balti and Comrat voting will be possible through the mobile ballot box.