TIRASPOL, September 17 (RIA Novosti) - Election authorities in Moldova's breakaway region of Transdnestr have said the Sunday referendum to decide whether to continue seeking independence and union with Russia is valid.
As of 3:00 p.m. local time (12:00 GMT), turnout was 58.8% of voters, the Central Election Commission of the self-proclaimed republic said.
The referendum was to be declared valid if turnout exceeded 50% of the vote.
More than 389,000 registered voters have been suggested to answer two questions: whether they want the Transdnestr Region's independence from Moldova and its subsequent joining Russia or whether they believe the region should become part of Moldova.
Preliminary results will be made public early Monday, but the overwhelming majority of Transdnestr's predominantly Russian-speaking population are expected to support independence.
