1995 Gagauz autonomy referendums explained

Local referendum in some localities of the south of the Republic of Moldova
Country:Moldova
Flag Image:Flag of Gagauzia.svg
Outcome:30 localities join the new Gagauz autonomous unit

Local referendums were held in several localities of southern Moldova on 5 March 1995 to determine the territory of Gagauzia. 30 of the 36 communes voted to join the new Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia.[1] In Svetlîi commune, results were invalidated due to voting irregularities, and another referendum was held on 26 March 1995.[2]

Background

See main article: Gagauzia conflict. On 23 December 1994, Parliament of Moldova adopted a law granting autonomy status to Gagauzia, thus ending the five-year-long Gagauzia conflict. According to a report by Infotag, 27 Gagauz-majority settlements automatically qualified for the referendums, and an additional 15 would qualify if one third of the population demanded one.[3]

Results

Some of the communities approved by more than 90%.[4] Turnout was about 70%.[5] Taraclia and surrounding communes rejected the referendum.[6]

Communes approved
District Today part of
Ceadîr-Lunga
Comrat (capital)
Vulcănești
Alexeevca Svetlîi
Svetlîi
Avdarma
Baurci
Beșalma
Beșghioz
Bugeac
Carbalia
Cazaclia
Cioc-Maidan
Cișmichioi
Chioselia Rusă
Chiriet-Lunga
Chirsova
Congaz
Congazcicul de Jos Congazcicul de Sus
Congazcicul de Sus
Dudulești
Copceac
Cotovscoe
Dezghingea
Etulia Etulia
Etulia Nouă
Ferapontievca
Gaidar
Joltai
Tomai

Aftermath

On 28 May 1995, another local referendum was held to determine the capital of the region alongside the local elections, with Comrat being chosen.[7]

In November 1998, the local councils of the town of Basarabeasca and the commune of Burlăceni requested referendums to join the Gagauz autonomy, however this was rejected by Central Electoral Commission of Moldova.[8]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Chronology for Gagauz in Moldova . 24 December 2023.
  2. Web site: Cu privire la rezultatele referendumului repetat, efectuat în satul Svetlîi, raionul Taraclia, la 26 . 25 December 2023.
  3. Web site: State Protection . 26 December 2023.
  4. Web site: privind rezultatele referendumului local în problema includerii unor localităţi . 25 December 2023.
  5. Web site: Autonomy in Gagauzia: A Precedent for Central and Eastern Europe? . ewwg.vlamynck.eu . 26 December 2023.
  6. Book: Akpınar . Ömer . GAGAVUZYA’DA OTONOMİNİN TARİHİ SÜRECİ VE HUKUKİ TEMELLERİ . 2022 . Ekin . 213 . 2 January 2024.
  7. Web site: Gagauz . Minority Rights Group . 24 December 2023 . 19 June 2015.
  8. Web site: PARTICIPAREA – ELEMENT CHEIE AL DEMOCRAȚIEII . 25 December 2023.