An information report was presented by Sevdia Ugrekhelidze, Georgia (EPP/CCE) on 29 March 2017, following a mission to assess elections in the Autonomous Territorial Unit (ATU) of Gagauzia on 20 November 2016. The report points out that the new legal framework, adopted in 2015, remedies major shortcomings identified in previous Congress election observation reports and was generally well implemented. The efforts by the authorities to improve the quality of voters’ lists and the level of preparation of the election administration are major factors in improving the electoral process. The Congress likewise welcomes the ban on foreign funds for campaign purposes as well as the establishment of the Central Election Commission of ATU Gagauzia as a permanent body. The report also mentions, however, allegations concerning recurring issues related to vote buying, the misuse of administrative resources and the lack of a real level playing field for all candidates, in particular in the media. Moreover, even though the new Electoral Code brought substantial improvements, there is still a need for further amendments in order to reconcile the respective legislation of ATU Gagauzia and the Republic of Moldova. 

Report CPR32(2017)02
Video of the debate
File: 32nd Session of the Congress