Joint Statement on Bashkan elections in autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia within the Republic of Moldova

CHISINAU, 28 November 2006 - The OSCE Mission to Moldova issued the following joint statement today:

"We welcome the public commitments made by the Government of Moldova and local authorities in Gagauzia that the December 3 elections and any possible run-off elections for Gagauz Governor (Bashkan) be held in a free, fair and transparent manner.

This election represents an important opportunity to demonstrate to all persons on the entire territory of Moldova and to the international community that Moldova respects and enforces the principles of autonomy, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

This election is a significant test case to prove that strong regional autonomy and development can exist within a democratic, sovereign, and territorially whole Republic of Moldova.

During these final days leading up to the elections and while the elections are taking place the Heads of Mission call on the Government of Moldova, local authorities in Gagauzia, and the Gagauz Central Electoral Commission to fulfill the joint recommendations of the Council of Europe, the OSCE, international observers and local organizations. We urge all authorities to ensure full respect for the law on elections of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia within the Republic of Moldova...

The full statement is available on this page under "Documents".