The election campaign for the position of Bashkan of Gagauzia is in its final stretch, with citizens of the region set to head to the polls this Sunday. Participants in a public debate titled “The Specifics of the 2026 Elections for the Governor of Gagauzia”—organized by the IPN News Agency—discussed the extent to which the election results might meet the expectations of local residents and society at large regarding the improvement of living conditions, the preservation of identity and the maintenance of social peace.

The project’s resident expert, Igor Botan, noted that the Bashkan is Gagauzia’s highest-ranking official, heads the region’s Executive Committee, and holds significant powers in relation to the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. According to the expert, the Bashkan submits the structure and membership of the Executive Committee to the People’s Assembly for approval and either promulgates legislation adopted by the Assembly or returns it with objections.

At the same time, Igor Botan noted that disputes over the respective powers of the Bashkan and the People’s Assembly could arise and may ultimately have to be resolved in court.

Sergiu Palihovici, who holds a doctorate in political science and heads the School of Public Administration at Moldova State University, noted that the election to the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia marks a first: it is being held under the national electoral framework, with the involvement of the Central Electoral Commission in Chisinau. The change became necessary after the region’s Central Electoral Council failed to convene and organise the election.

According to Sergiu Palihovici, the new organizational framework lays the groundwork for a fair and transparent election, following problems in previous elections, including cases in which candidates won seats in the People’s Assembly with the support of just a few hundred voters.

Petru Macovei, executive director of the Association of Independent Press (API) and a member of the Council of the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections, said that API had extended its “For a Clean Parliament” campaign to Gagauzia. The campaign aims to inform voters about candidates’ backgrounds and promote integrity in public office. According to Macovei, profiles of all eight candidates for the post of Bashkan have been published. The monitoring covers their wealth and property holdings, political and administrative activities, adherence to democratic principles and any potential legal issues.

The API director noted that several candidates have had or still have legal troubles, with some cases still pending in court. They claim to be victims of political score-settling. Petru Macovei urged voters to consult the profiles published on MoldovaCurată.md and ask candidates about their assets, political backgrounds and any potential integrity issues so they can make an informed choice.

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