OSCE Mission to Moldova supports discussion to improve election legislation in Gagauzia

The election legislation of Moldova’s autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia was discussed at an OSCE-led roundtable meeting in Comrat on 13 December 2011. Representatives of the Gagauz authorities, the People’s Assembly, parties, civil society, media and the OSCE Mission discussed two sets of legislative proposals.

The first set of proposals was presented by the Chişinău-based non-governmental Association for Participatory Democracy (ADEPT). As part of an OSCE Mission project this year, ADEPT drafted amendments, in consultation with the Gagauz authorities, to the three laws that currently govern the elections of the Başkan (the Governor), the People’s Assembly and the organization of the Central Election Commission of Gagauzia.

The second proposal, a draft unified Election Code, was presented by a working group established by the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia.

“The OSCE supports the streamlining of Gagauz election laws in line with national legislation and international standards, and we are encouraged by the depth and nuance of today’s discussion as well as the interest shown in improving the administration of elections,” said the OSCE Mission’s Senior Human Rights Adviser Jacqueline Carpenter. “Both proposals could make the legal framework for regional elections clearer and bring it closer in line with long-standing recommendations of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the Council of Europe.”

She stressed the need to ensure that both of the proposals are reflected in a fully unified election code.

“It is important for Gagauzia to have legislation which is in line with international standards,” said Nikolay Stoyanov, deputy Başkan of Gagauzia. “The time is right to adopt a unified election code.”

“This meeting has given us an impetus to refine our legislation in an atmosphere of mutual respect and professionalism,” said Anna Harlamenko, the Speaker of the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. “We have a chance to create sound legislation for the long term to the benefit of the people in our autonomous region.”