1995 Gagauz autonomy referendums

Local referendums were held in several localities of southern Moldova on 5 March 1995 to determine the territory of Gagauzia. 30 of the 36 communes voted to join the new Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia. In Svetlîi commune, results were invalidated due to voting irregularities, and another referendum was held on 26 March 1995.

Background
On 23 December 1994, Parliament of Moldova adopted a law granting autonomy status to Gagauzia, thus ending the five-year-long Gagauzia conflict. According to a report by Infotag, 27 Gagauz-majority settlements automatically qualified for the referendums, and an additional 15 would qualify if one third of the population demanded one.

Results
Some of the communities approved by more than 90%. Turnout was about 70%. Taraclia and surrounding communes rejected the referendum.

Aftermath
On 28 May 1995, another local referendum was held to determine the capital of the region alongside the local elections, with Comrat being chosen.

In November 1998, the local councils of the town of Basarabeasca and the commune of Burlăceni requested referendums to join the Gagauz autonomy, however this was rejected by Central Electoral Commission of Moldova.