Political analyst Arcadie Barbarosie says he would like to see the relationship between Chisinau and Comrat revitalized after the Gagauz autonomy holds gubernatorial elections in the spring, adding that it will be an “interesting” first-time event if a woman wins the race.

“What is important is less the elections as such, but rather the Chisinau-Comrat relationship. This autonomy was incorporated in 1994 through a controversial law. A legislative process then followed in Comrat, which brought about contradictory results, inconsistent with the national legislation. Chisinau showed little interest to what was happening there. As a result, the autonomy has isolated itself. Instead of becoming an instrument for development, including in cultural and linguistic matters, this special law in fact has led to an isolation of the region”, said Barbarosie.

Gagauzia will hold the first round to elect its Governor, or Bashkan on March 22, and potentially a second one a fortnight later, on April 5.