The Governor (Bashkan) of Găgăuzia Irina Vlah suggests that the Bashkan elections in the ATU should take place on February 17, 2019. She submitted an initiative to this effect to the People’s Assembly of Găgăuzia on September 10. Irina Vlah told a news conference that she will run in the next elections so as to continue the programs she implemented during three years and a half, IPN reports.

“At the start of next year, Găgăuzia and the whole Republic of Moldova enters the electoral period. The parliamentary elections will be held on February 24. Next year, Găgăuzia is to hold Bashkan elections. The elections to choose the governor of the autonomous region held on March 22, 2015 consisted of only one round of voting and on April 15 I was sworn in. The current electoral legislation of Gagauzia allows holding Bashkan elections in the second half of next year too, but I think this is extremely inopportune,” stated Irina Vlah.

According to her, the current legislature of Moldova practically extended its mandate by another three months and such attempts to usurp the power arouse justifiable indignation. Găgăuzia should become an example of elevated political culture for the whole country. “While the MPs stick to power up to the last moment, in Găgăuzia the elections should take place on time. I’m categorically against the delay in holding elections in our autonomous region,” stated the Bashkan.

She also said that at the start of next spring, the Bashkan that will gain a four-year term in office will start to cooperate with the new parliamentary majority and the new government.