Candidates seeking seats in the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia can begin submitting their registration documents today, September 28, ahead of the November 15 elections.
Election files are being accepted by the first-level district electoral councils in Comrat, Ceadîr-Lunga and Vulcănești.
Candidates nominated by political parties must submit their documents in person. The required file includes an application for registration, the party’s decision on the nomination, biographical information, a statement consenting to the candidacy, a declaration of assets and personal interests, and a copy of an identity document.
The file must also include a declaration confirming that the candidate is not subject to restrictions established by Moldova’s Electoral Code. Candidates holding positions for which the law requires suspension from office during the campaign must additionally submit a declaration confirming their suspension.
Independent candidates must provide additional signature lists containing the required number of supporters. The lists must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Electoral Code and the regulations governing the establishment and registration of initiative groups.
Each candidate must be present in person when submitting the registration file and confirm their presence by signing a register provided by the electoral council responsible for receiving and checking the documents.
Electoral councils have seven days to decide whether to register a candidate or reject the application.
The elections for the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia are scheduled for November 15, 2026. On the same day, voters will also elect the Governor (Bashkan) of Gagauzia. The two elections will be held simultaneously for the first time.
Several politicians have already announced their intention to run for Bashkan.
Among the independent candidates is Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former Prosecutor General and former MP, who submitted documents on September 23 to register an initiative group.
Former MP Corneliu Dudnic has also received signature lists needed to collect the required number of supporters.
Comrat Mayor Serghei Anastasov announced on September 25 that he would run as an independent candidate. Another potential contender is Nicolai Dudoglo, former Comrat mayor and leader of the Gagauz Popular Party.
Several candidates have also announced that they will seek political party backing. Roman Tiutin, a former member of the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia, has said he intends to run on behalf of the “Alliance of Moldovans” Party.
The Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM) has nominated Fiodor Gagauz as its candidate. He submitted his documents on September 24 after Grigori Uzun withdrew from the party’s internal selection process.
The upcoming elections will determine the composition of Gagauzia’s legislative body and the region’s next Bashkan, with both ballots taking place on the same day.