The elections in Gagauzia offer an opportunity to improve relations between the central and regional authorities. This view was expressed by Sergiu Palihovici, who holds a doctorate in political science and heads the School of Public Administration at Moldova State University, during the public debate “Distinctive Features of the 2026 Election for Governor of Gagauzia,” organized by the IPN News Agency. He also noted that, unlike previous elections, the current campaign places less emphasis on geopolitics and focuses more strongly on the region’s internal issues.

According to Sergiu Palihovici, the backgrounds of the candidates for the post of Bashkan offer grounds for optimism about easing tensions between Chisinau and Comrat. He noted that his contacts with representatives of the region’s academic community and first-tier local authorities had revealed a willingness to overcome the obstacles in their relations.

The political scientist believes that one of the main differences from previous elections is the reduced emphasis on geopolitical issues in the candidates’ electoral platforms. In his view, this shift allows for a greater focus on matters within the region’s jurisdiction.

Sergiu Palihovici noted that relations between the central and regional authorities had deteriorated, partly as a result of the influence exerted by the group associated with Ilan Șor following Evghenia Guțul’s election as governor of Gagauzia. According to the expert, this period highlighted the political and social consequences of tensions between Chișinău and Comrat, including their impact on the region’s population. At the same time, the director of the School of Public Administration believes that responsibility for the strained relations between the central government and the region lies not only with the Gagauz authorities or Russian interference, but also with the political establishment in Chisinau.

According to Sergiu Palihovici, politicians at the central government level have repeatedly put political interests ahead of national interests, exploiting divisions between communities. This has hindered the development of mechanisms that could help bring the region closer to state institutions.

Another issue highlighted by the expert is access to information for people in Gagauzia. Sergiu Palihovici pointed out that residents rely more heavily on Russian sources than on Romanian-language ones, partly because they do not speak Romanian. In his view, once the election results are announced, the authorities should identify practical ways to revive dialogue and normalize relations between Chisinau and Comrat.

The public debate “The Distinctive Features of the 2026 Election for Governor of Gagauzia” is the 363rd edition of the series “Fostering Political Culture through Public Debates.” The IPN News Agency organizes this debate series with the support of Germany’s Hanns Seidel Foundation.