Parliament Approves New Election Rules in Gagauzia: Opposition Criticizes Bill

The Parliament approved in the first reading, with votes from the majority of Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) lawmakers, amendments to the Electoral Code establishing new rules for elections of the Bashkan and the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. The bill sparked controversy during the parliamentary session. The opposition argues that the initiative restricts the powers of the autonomous region and is being pushed through under an accelerated procedure, while its authors say the amendments are necessary to bring legislation in line with Constitutional Court rulings and ensure a constitutional electoral system, IPN.md reports. Alternativa Party lawmaker Alexandr Stoianoglo said the bill goes beyond the framework established by Constitutional Court decisions and undermines the balance between central authorities and the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia. According to him, the proposed amendments would deprive Gagauzia of the right to independently organize regional elections and introduce new requirements for Bashkan candidates that are not provided for by the Law on the Special Legal Status of Gagauzia. Criticism was also voiced by Parliament Vice-Speaker and Socialist Party lawmaker Vlad Batrincea. “We are not talking only about Gagauzia. This is already the 13th bill amending the Electoral Code in the past three years. You cannot speak about respect for the law when laws are changed depending on political interests,” Batrincea said. In turn, PAS lawmaker and deputy chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Administration and Regional Development Larisa Voloh rejected the accusations and said that the region’s status is not being affected. “No one is taking away Gagauzia’s autonomy, no one is restricting people’s right to elect their representatives, no one is changing the region’s identity or special status. We are doing what is natural for a state governed by the rule of law. We are creating a clear, consistent electoral system that complies with the Constitution,” Voloh said. The bill was approved in the first reading by 52 votes from lawmakers representing the Party of Action and Solidarity. The amendments provide for the creation of the Central Electoral Council of Gagauzia, which will operate as a permanent electoral body responsible for organizing regional elections. The Electoral Code will also introduce the term “regional elections”, which will include elections of the Bashkan, members of the People’s Assembly, as well as referendums held in the region.