Several anonymous Telegram accounts are promoting messages encouraging the boycott of the Gagauzia elections on November 15th, presenting non-participation in the vote as a form of rejection of the “plans concocted by central authorities”. The narratives circulated in the context of the elections for the Popular Assembly and the position of the governor of Gagauzia were communicated by the director of the Center for Strategic Communication and Counteracting Disinformation, Liliana Vițu.
According to the official, one of the main narratives promoted in the information space is the obligation of the candidates for the position of governor to know the Romanian language, writes IPN. This condition is presented as part of a plan by the central authorities to limit the rights of the region’s inhabitants.
Vițu asserts that the changes in electoral legislation are, in turn, 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.
In turn, the Vice President of the Central Electoral Commission, Pavel Postica, believes that regaining the trust of the voters from Gagauzia in the transparency of the electoral process requires joint efforts from the electoral authorities, civil society, and competitors enrolled in the electoral race. According to him, combating falsehoods is also important for strengthening voters’ trust.