Integrity vetting sparks institutional deadlock in Moldova’s Gagauzia region
The autonomous region of Gagauzia is facing a severe institutional deadlock as local leaders delay elections for the People's Assembly. Despite the mandate expiring in November 2025, officials have yet to set a new polling date.
Serghei Cernev, head of the State Chancellery in Gagauzia, claims the delay is a deliberate attempt to maintain control over the local Electoral Council. He proposes mandatory integrity vetting for all council members to prevent a repeat of past electoral fraud.
Vetting as a catalyst for crisis
The crisis is centered on the refusal of regional authorities to align local regulations with Moldova's 2023 Electoral Code. A key legal discrepancy involves the naming of the electoral body, which regional leaders refuse to update.
"This is not a mere spelling error," Cernev explained. "By refusing to transition from 'Central Electoral Commission' to 'Central Electoral Council,' they ensure the courts cannot legally validate any future local elections."
The cost of corruption
Critics warn that the delay borders on the usurpation of power. While mandate extensions were allowed during the pandemic, legal experts like Igor Ianak argue there is currently no legal basis for the Assembly to continue its activity.
The financial stakes are high. Cernev noted that the 2023 Bashkan elections were marred by illegal funding, where Evghenia Guțul allegedly spent over €1.02 million (approx. 20M MDL) in undeclared offshore funds to secure her position.
Seeking a legislative solution
A joint working group involving the Moldovan Parliament and Gagauz representatives is scheduled to meet this week. The objective is to harmonize regional laws with national standards and break the political stalemate.
Cernev maintains that those resisting the legal changes are hiding behind political excuses to avoid scrutiny. "If a candidate is clean and has nothing to hide, they should not fear a vetting process," he concluded.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
