Candidates in APG elections report on fees by banks for opening election accounts

Chisinau, 4 August /MOLDPRES/- Several candidates in Gagauz People's Assembly (APG) elections have said that the branches of autonomous commercial banks impose a tax on them to open electoral accounts, the region's press has reported.

"The amount of this tax varies between 4 and 5 thousand lei. Some banks also require that each candidate have an employee and an accountant. This is despite the fact that this account will be needed only for two months, during the electoral campaign, for campaigning expenses ", writes gagauzinfo.md.

The electoral commission from Gagauzia confirmed that it is aware of this situation, but they cannot influence the decisions of the banks. "These are commercial banks and they have the right to set tariffs for their own services. The electoral authority cannot intervene in the policy of the banks providing services ", CEC head from autonomy Iana Covalenco told gagauzinfo.md.

The bank accounts categorized as “electoral fund” need the candidates who plan to finance their electoral campaigns. It is about placing election advertising in the media, editing election publications, agitation activities, other similar expenses. Each candidate can spend no more than 40 thousand lei.

The elections will take place on 19 September. The citizens of the region will have to elect by direct vote 35 local deputies, for a four-year term.

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