Gagauzia’s governor, Evghenia Gutul, will lose her mandate after the Chisinau Court of Appeal upheld the first-instance sentence in the case concerning the illegal financing of the former Shor Party, in which the court sentenced her to seven years in prison. Under the Criminal Procedure Code, the appellate court’s decision becomes final and enforceable once it is issued, although the Supreme Court of Justice can still review it, IPN reports.
As a result, Evghenia Gutul automatically loses her mandate as governor of Gagauzia, and no additional administrative or political procedure is required.
Both national legislation and Gagauz autonomy regulations provide for the loss of mandate. The Law on the Status of Persons Holding Public Office states that a final criminal conviction ends a public mandate prematurely.
The Law on the Special Legal Status of Gagauzia also states that the governor’s powers end before the end of the term if the officeholder commits a crime.
In addition, the Gagauzia Statute states that the governor’s mandate ends when the officeholder becomes objectively unable to perform duties, including when serving a prison sentence.
Under these legal provisions, the first deputy chair of the Executive Committee in Comrat will temporarily carry out the governor’s duties. Regional authorities must organize early elections for the governor’s position within 90 days after the office becomes vacant.
When contacted by IPN for clarification on the termination of the mandate and possible elections, representatives of the Central Election Commission did not answer phone calls.
Evghenia Gutul’s defense team has announced that it will challenge the Court of Appeal’s decision at the Supreme Court of Justice.