You're reading: Moldovan rebel leader calls for poll to be scrapped

TIRASPOL - The president of Moldova's breakaway territory of Transdniestria called on Monday for a weekend election in which he sought a fifth straight term in power to be scrapped because of "numerous violations" in voting.

The announcement from the camp of Igor Smirnov, 70, who ran against the wishes of the territory’s backer Russia, came after competing candidates claimed victory in Sunday’s election despite an exit poll which gave him a comfortable lead.

"A representative of Igor Smirnov has asked the Commission to recognise the election as invalid due to numerous violations," Central Election Commission chairman Pyotr Denisenko told reporters.

Earlier, election authorities had declared a two-day delay in announcing the results of the poll.

Russia supplies the territory with free gas and has 1,500 troops there.a supplies the territory with free gas and has 1,500 troops there.