Moldovan authorities move to resolve Gagauzia election dispute

Authorities in Chisinau and Comrat have agreed to establish a working group aimed at developing a solution for organising elections to the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia in the shortest possible timeframe.

The consultations were held at the presidential administration with the participation of mayors from settlements across the autonomous region and members of the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia, according to Radio Moldova.

President Maia Sandu and Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu reiterated the central authorities’ support for holding free and fair elections, stressing the importance of transparency and compliance with national legislation.

NSG deputy Vladimir Kîssa said a new round of talks is expected to take place next week.

Local representatives in Gagauzia described the consultations as an initial step toward restoring structured dialogue between Chisinau and Comrat. Earlier, deputies of the People’s Assembly decided to appeal to international organisations and involve Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in discussions regarding the electoral dispute.

Elections to the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia were originally scheduled for June 21. However, a court suspended the decision on the election date and the formation of the autonomous election commission following a request by the State Chancellery.

The crisis stems from disagreements between local and national electoral legislation. Authorities in Comrat have so far refused to conduct elections under Moldova’s national Electoral Code.

By Tamilla Hasanova