Several anonymous Telegram accounts are promoting messages encouraging the boycott of the Gagauzia elections on November 15, presenting non-participation in the vote as a form of rejection of the “plans devised by the central authorities”. The narratives circulated in the context of the elections for the Popular Assembly and the position of the governor of Gagauzia were discussed by the director of the Center for Strategic Communication and Counteracting Disinformation, Liliana Vitu, at a public conference, reports IPN.
Liliana Vitu mentioned that one of the main narratives promoted in the information space concerns the obligation of candidates for the position of governor to know the Romanian language. This condition is presented as part of a plan by the central authorities to limit the rights of the region’s inhabitants.
According to her, the changes in electoral legislation are also associated with the narrative regarding the abolition of Gagauzia. At the same time, the idea is being circulated that the authorities in Chisinau would aim to install a convenient governor.
The Vice President of the Central Electoral Commission, Pavel Postica, stated that regaining the trust of the voters in Gagauzia in the transparency of the electoral process requires joint efforts from the electoral authorities, civil society, and the competitors enrolled in the electoral race. According to him, combating falsehoods is also important for strengthening the voters’ trust.
The public conference “UTA Gagauzia after the decision of the Constitutional Court. The new institutional context between Chisinau and Comrat” was organized by the Center for Civic Initiatives for National Minorities, with the support of the European Union and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in the Republic of Moldova. and day with the elections for the position of governor.
