The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has scheduled the elections for the Head (Bashkan) of Gagauzia for November 15, 2026.

The decision was made after the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia, by a resolution dated August 17, 2026, declared the position of Head (Bashkan) of Gagauzia vacant. Under the law, elections for the Head (Bashkan) of Gagauzia must be held no later than three months from the date the vacancy occurs.

At the same time, the Electoral Code stipulates that elections for the Head (Bashkan) of Gagauzia are held on the second or third Sunday of November. The election date must be established by a resolution of the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia no later than 80 days before election day. If the People’s Assembly fails to adopt such a resolution within the prescribed period, the decision is made by a resolution of the Central Electoral Commission no later than 75 days before election day.

In this context, on August 26, 2026, the CEC called on the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia to adopt, within the timeframe established by the Electoral Code, a resolution setting the date of the elections for the Head (Bashkan) of Gagauzia. To ensure the effective and coordinated organization of the electoral process, the Commission recommended holding the elections on November 15, 2026 — the same day on which elections to the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia are also scheduled to take place.

By the time the CEC adopted its decision, no response had been received from the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. At the same time, the People’s Assembly made three attempts to consider the matter during its meetings on August 17 and 26, as well as September 1, 2026, but failed to adopt a resolution setting the election date.

Under these circumstances, in order to comply with the legal provisions and deadlines established by electoral legislation, the Central Electoral Commission scheduled the elections for the Head (Bashkan) of Gagauzia for Sunday, November 15, 2026.

Elections to the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia will also be held on the same day.