In 1994 the Gagauz region in the south was granted a type of confederal status with Moldova. Foreign policy, defence and issues relating to citizenship and the printing of money are to stay the exclusive competences of Moldova's national authorities. Legislative power is executed by a one-chamber parliament, with 104 deputies. Parliamentary elections take place every 4 years, using a proportional system, with the whole country as a single electoral district. The electoral threshold is set at 4 percent of the votes cast.
Parliament has to approve the government.
The president, who is head of state, is elected for a 5-year term by general and direct elections. Executive power is exercised by the president and the government. Former president Snegur was in favour of changing the constitution, in oder to make Moldova a presidential republic. Feel free to copy this text, but please acknowledge the source.