The President of the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia, Valentin Gaidarji, has challenged the refusal to register him as an independent candidate in the November 15 elections at the South Court of Appeal. He claims that he withdrew from the Home We Build Europe Party within the legal deadline, but the authorities updated the data regarding his withdrawal late. According to him, the consequences of this delay should not affect his right to run.
During a press conference at IPN, Valentin Gaidarji stated that he submitted his withdrawal request from PACE on September 4th, also resigning from his position as vice-president of the formation. According to him, the party leadership approved his request, and the documents were sent to the competent institutions.
However, according to him, when checking the application file, the data from the Public Services Agency showed that he was still listed as a member of the National Political Council of PACE. For this reason, the Electoral Council of the Vulcanesti constituency no. 3 denied his registration as an independent candidate in the Carbalia constituency no. 23.
Valentin Gaidarji challenged the decision at the Central Electoral Council of Gagauzia, however, the appeal was rejected on October 12. He announced that he will continue to defend his rights in court and requests to be registered in the electoral race.
On the other hand, the electoral authority clarified that the law requires independent candidates to no longer be party members at least 70 days before the elections. According to the decision, Valentin Gaidarji’s withdrawal had not been registered at the ASP until September 6, and the documents were only transmitted by PACE on September 9, after the start of the period stipulated by law.
The elections for the Popular Assembly of Gagauzia are scheduled for November 15, on the same day the governor of the region is also to be elected.
Note: The IPN Agency offers the right of reply to those who consider themselves targeted in the news made from the statements of the organizers of this press conference, including by facilitating the organization of another press conference under similar conditions.
