Moldovan Central Electoral Commission accredits 16 international observers for elections of Gagauzia's bashkan

The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has accredited 16 international observers from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, who will monitor the elections for the position of bashkan (governor) of Gagauzia, scheduled for November 15, 2026.

The decision was approved at a CEC meeting today. At the same meeting, the Commission confirmed the person responsible for finances on behalf of the Gagauz People's Party during the electoral campaign.

CEC also approved changes to the composition of the Electoral Council of the Cairaclia village electoral district in Taraclia district.

At the same time, the Commission rejected the prior complaint submitted by the Our Party political party, which requested the suspension of the enforcement of a provision in the CEC decision concerning the oversight of political parties' financial management reports for the first half of 2026.

According to the CEC, the political party did not present factual or legal elements that would refute the findings set out in the challenged decision.

Sixty-seven polling stations have been established for the elections for members of the People's Assembly of Gagauzia and for bashkan of Gagauzia on November 15, 2026. The largest number of polling stations will be opened in the municipality of Comrat—12, followed by Vulcanesti—9 and Ceadar-Lunga—7. Eight candidates will compete for the position of bashkan. Fiodor Gagauz, nominated by the Party of Socialists, will appear first on the ballot. He will be followed by independent candidates Alexandr Stoianoglo and Corneliu Dudnic. Ivan Kilcic, nominated by the Gagauz People's Party, will be fourth, while Petru Vlah, nominated by the New Historical Option Political Party, will be fifth. The final three positions will be occupied by independent candidates Ivanna Koksal, Serghei Anastasov and Oleg Garizan.

A total of 135 people are competing for the 35 seats of the People's Assembly of Gagauzia.