A general staff for preparing and holding the referendum in Gagauzia, set for February 2, was created in Ciadir-Lunga, sources in the press service of the town’s administration said, quoted by IPN.

The general staff includes mayor Gheorghi Ormanji, all the members of the town council, the district’s head Serghei Buzadji, deputies of the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia representing Ciadir-Lunga, chairman of the distinct council of Afghan war veterans and members of the council of age deans from the town. In the first meeting, the general staff worked out the plan of action for organizing the plebiscite. Meetings will be held with staffs and people. There will be updated the electoral rolls.

Last week, there were set up similar bodies in other settlements of the country. In Baurci village of Ciadir-Lunga district, a group of 30 persons was created to conduct an election campaign in the settlement.

On January 3, the court of Comrat district ruled that the decision to hold a local referendum on February 2, taken by the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia, is illegal. The decision was taken following a challenge from the local office of the State Chancellery of Moldova.

The February 2 referendum will include two questions – one concerning Moldova’s foreign policy course and another one regarding the right of Gagauzia to self determination if Moldova loses its sovereignty.