CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — The leader of Moldova's separatist region of Trans-Dniester has called for the cancellation of a presidential ballot, citing irregularities.
President Igor Smirnov, who led the pro-Moscow Trans-Dniester for 20 years, faced five candidates in Sunday’s ballot.
The separatists’ official news agency Olvia press says Monday the election committee will meet on Dec. 14 to discuss Smirnov’s request.
Election committee member Vladimir Ciuhnin said no candidate got more than 50 percent of the vote needed to secure a victory in the first round.
Trans-Dniester broke away from Moldova in 1990 and fought a war with Moldovan forces in 1992 that left 1,500 people dead.
The region — mainly populated by Ukrainians and Russians — is not recognized internationally.
