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Elections of the Governor (Bashkan) of Gagauzia (Gagauz Yeri)
General information
| Date of elections | March 22, 2015 | December 12 and 26, 2010 | December 3 and 17, 2006 | October 6, 20, 2002 | August 22 and September 5, 1999 | May 28 and June 11, 1995 | ||||||
| Ist round | Ist round | IInd round | Ist round | IInd round | Ist round | Alegeri repetate | Ist round | IInd round | Ist round | IInd round | ||
| Type of elections | Bashkan elections | Bashkan elections | Bashkan elections | Early and repeated Bashkan elections | Bashkan elections | Bashkan elections | ||||||
| Number of electoral contestants | 10 (12-2) | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 5 (6-1) | 3 (5-2) | 6 | 2 | 4 | 2 | |
| Elected Bashkan | Irina Vlah | Mihail Formuzal | Mihail Formuzal | Gheorghii Tabunscic | Dmitrii Croitor | Gheorghii Tabunscic | ||||||
General information about the elections of the Governor (Bashkan) of Gagauzia
The Gagauz Governor (Bashkan) office was established by the Law no.344-XIII of 23.12.1994 on Special Legal Status of Gagauzia (Gagauz Yeri), adopted by Moldovan Parliament. Bashkan’s first elections were held in 1995 under a temporary Code adopted by Moldovan Government. Thereafter, all elections were organized and conducted in accordance with the Code of Gagauzia and the local Law on election of the Governor (Bashkan) of Gagauzia, adopted by the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia.
The only early elections of Bashkan were held in 2002. They were preceded by a conflict between the Governor of Gagauzia, Dmitrii Croitor, legally elected at ordinary elections in September 1999, and the central government, represented at that time by the Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM). After 2001, both the central authorities, as well as PCRM members within the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia exercised pressure on the Governor (vote of confidence provided by some members of the Gagauz People’s Assembly, organizing a referendum to dismiss the Governor, opening criminal case-files, threats and intimidation, charges of links with separatist forces etc.). Under the influence of pressures, Dmitrii Croitor resigned from the office of Gagauz Governor, before the term of office was over and thus the early elections for the Governor office were organized in the autumn of 2002.
Status of Gagauz Governor (Bashkan)
Governor of Gagauzia is an ex officio member of Moldovan Government and is confirmed in the office by a decree of Moldovan President. In exercising the competences set out by law, the Governor may issue decisions and orders that are enforceable throughout the territory of A.T.U Gagauzia. Within the territory of Gagauzia the Governor enjoys immunity, can not be held legally liable for opinions expressed when exercising the mandate. Early suspension from office of Gagauz Governor shall take place if he does not observe the Constitution and legislation of the Republic of Moldova, local laws and decisions of the People’s Assembly, or if he has committed a crime.
The status, competences and obligations of the Governor of Gagauzia are established by the Law on Special Legal Status of Gagauzia (Gagauz Yeri) and the Code of Gagauzia (adopted on 14.05.1998 by the Gagauz People’s Assembly). Under these regulations, as the supreme official in A.T.U. Gagauzia, the Governor:
- leads the activity of public administration and is responsible for exercising the competences he is vested by law;
- is the guarantor of exercising the Code of Gagauzia, of ensuring the human and citizens’ rights and freedoms;
- ensures maintenance of the status of Gagauzia, coordinated operation and interaction of its public authorities;
- represents the autonomy in the Republic of Moldova and in international relations;
- leads the Executive Committee of Gagauzia
- signs local laws;
- appoints and dismisses local public administration officials;
- has the right of legislative initiative in the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia.
