The will of the people

January 28, 1990 is a significant date in the history of the republic. This day, citizens of Tiraspol held a referendum, in which they spoke for giving the city the status of an independent territory on the principles of self-government, regional cost accounting and self-financing with full equality of languages. Residents of Tiraspol answered the question about the expediency of entering the city into the Pridnestrovian ASSR in the event of its creation. 96% of Tiraspol residents voted in favor.

It was the second in a row, held in the republic referendum in the capital. The first was two months earlier in Rybnitsa - December 3, 1989. This referendum was the first not only in the territory of the Pridnestrovian region, but also in the history of the Soviet Union.

In the late 80s, the Russian-speaking residents of the left bank of the Dniester opposed the pro-Romanian future: the imposition of the Romanian language and Latin script. Therefore they initiated and actively participated in political strikes in August-September 1989.

Preparatory and organizational work for the referendum was conducted by labor collectives. The republic held meetings in support of referenda. Calls sounded from all the stands, newspaper pages, leaflets.

Referenda were held throughout the country. The third in a row was held in the village of Rashkovo Kamensky district. More than 95% of villagers voted for entering the Pridnestrovian Autonomous Republic. On July 1, residents of Bendery voted: 97.4% also spoke in favor. Then Dubossary District - 97% of the votes and Grigoriopol, Slobodzeia - almost the same.

The referendums were declared valid, as more than 50% of voters took part in it. Thanks to this expression of the will of the citizens, another step has been taken towards Pridnestrovian statehood.