Gagauzia electoral commission announces candidate requirements

The Central Electoral Commission has announced the eligibility requirements for the upcoming elections to the Gagauzia People's Assembly, scheduled for November 15, 2026. To run for deputy, citizens must be at least 21 years old, have resided in the autonomous region for at least three years, and maintain a domicile within Gagauzia at the time of the election.

Candidates may be nominated by political parties and electoral blocs or run as independents. Independent candidates must not have been members of a political party or publicly expressed support for one starting 70 days before the election. They are also required to collect a specific number of voter signatures, typically at least 1% of voters in their constituency, though exceptions exist for female candidates and smaller constituencies.

In the race for the Governor of Gagauzia, Comrat Mayor Sergei Anastasov has announced his intention to run as an independent. Other candidates who have already submitted documentation include former Prosecutor General Alexandr Stoianoglo and former deputy Corneliu Dudnic. The elections will follow the new Electoral Code of the Republic of Moldova, which includes additional requirements such as declaring income and campaign expenditures. Candidates for the governorship must also be proficient in both Romanian and Gagauz.