Gagauzia elections: Campaign begins amid corruption warnings

The electoral campaign for the Gagauzia People's Assembly and the governor's office has commenced, with elections scheduled for November 15. For the governorship, eight candidates are running, including Fiodor Găgăuz, who will appear first on the ballot, followed by independents Alexandr Stoianoglo and Corneliu Dudnic. The People's Assembly election features 135 candidates competing for 35 mandates, approximately 70% of whom are independent.

The Central Electoral Commission of Moldova has approved the ballot designs, which will use distinct colors: pale green for the People's Assembly and pale violet-indigo for the governor's election. If a second round for the governorship is required, it is slated for November 29.

Observer mission Promo-LEX has issued warnings regarding potential risks of voter corruption and illegal financing. The mission noted that approximately 13% of passive voter corruption cases recorded in Moldova between 2020 and 2025 originated in the autonomy. Concerns have also been raised regarding the influence of independent candidates and potential links to Ilan Șor. Local residents expressed a mix of high expectations for improved infrastructure and skepticism toward the political process.