Moldova's Constitutional Court to Review Gagauzia Election Powers Amid Political Stalemate

The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Moldova is scheduled to examine a petition from the Ministry of Justice on 7 July, questioning whether the Gagauzia People's Assembly can approve the composition of the central electoral authority that organizes local elections in the autonomous region. The current mandate of the Assembly expired on 12 November 2025, and elections for a new legislature have been postponed twice, now set for 21 June 2026 after earlier dates were missed due to the inability to form the required electoral body.

President Maia Sandu has said a legal solution for holding the elections was reached after discussions between the Assembly and the Central Electoral Commission, but it remains blocked, which she attributes to external influence from Moscow. She urged the Assembly to approve the agreement so that elections can be held as planned.

In a meeting with the OSCE High Commissioner for National Minorities, Sandu reiterated the need for free and fair elections in Gagauzia and highlighted the importance of protecting minority rights as part of Moldova’s European integration path.