After an unsuccessful attempt to push through a resolution in the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia that critics say would effectively strip the autonomy of its ability to independently organize regional elections, Moldova’s Central Electoral Commission (CEC) appears ready to pursue a different route.
CEC Deputy Chairman Pavel Postică, representing the ruling PAS party, announced that the commission will consider proposed amendments to the Electoral Code as early as tomorrow. The changes are expected to affect the rules governing regional elections, including the election of deputies to the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia.
Following approval by the CEC, the draft amendments are expected to be submitted to Parliament for adoption.
“Whether we like it or not, the main representative body in Moldova is Parliament, and according to the Constitution, matters related to the electoral system fall within Parliament’s authority,”
Postică stated.
Few observers expect serious resistance in Parliament, where the ruling majority generally supports the government’s legislative agenda. Critics, however, argue that any attempt to transfer control over Gagauzia’s electoral processes to central authorities could deepen tensions between Chișinău and the autonomous region.
Under the proposed changes, election procedures could be revised, electoral legislation amended, and election bodies formed through mechanisms established at the national level rather than by Gagauz institutions themselves.
The broader political question, however, remains unresolved.
Even if the legal changes are adopted and implemented, it is unclear whether a significant portion of Gagauzia’s population will view elections conducted under the new framework as legitimate. Critics warn that bypassing regional authorities in decisions affecting the autonomy’s electoral system could further undermine trust between local institutions and the central government.
As the debate moves from the People’s Assembly to the Central Electoral Commission and Parliament, attention will likely focus not only on the legal aspects of the reform but also on its political consequences for relations between Chișinău and Gagauzia.
