Political Representation of Ethnic Minorities in Republic of Moldova: A Framework for an Analysis of Gagauz Ethnic Minority Representation

Achieving broad representation of different ethnic groups hasimportant implications for the stability and quality of democracy, especially for states intransition to democracy and emerging out of long periods of authoritarian rule. Withal,the way that ethnic minorities are included in the democratic process strongly influencesthe inter-ethnic relations at the state level and the creation of an inclusive society is animportant task for any democratic government. An inclusive society is made up of citizens,acting (are able and empowered to act) as agents, people who feel represented by theirgovernment and have effective mechanisms to influence government decisions. His articleaddresses the issue of representation of ethnic minorities overall in multi-ethnic societies,but comes with specific details on strategies of representation of minorities in political lifein Moldova, with the particular case Gagauz ethnic minority. The authors intend to carryout an overall policy of Moldova integration of ethnic minorities, through the electoralprocedures or through political parties as a promoter of the interests of various ethnicgroups.