The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) approved, at its September 11 meeting, the specific rules for organizing and conducting elections for the position of deputy in the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia and elections for the Governor (Bashkan) of Gagauzia, scheduled for November 15, 2026. The document aims to clarify and standardize the electoral procedures applicable to the two types of elections and establishes rules concerning the formation and operation of electoral bodies, the exercise of voting rights, candidate registration, and the financing of initiative groups and electoral contestants, TRIBUNA reports.

Regarding the organization of the electoral process, the Central Electoral Council of Gagauzia will establish and coordinate the lower-level electoral bodies, whose activities will be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Code and the CEC’s regulations, as applicable. Information on the activities of the Central Electoral Council of Gagauzia and first-level district electoral councils, as well as the decisions they adopt, will be published on the official website cece.cec.md, in the section dedicated to the Gagauzia elections.

Candidates for the position of deputy in the People’s Assembly will be registered by one of the three first-level district electoral councils, according to the allocation established by the Central Electoral Council of Gagauzia. Documents for registering candidates for the position of Governor (Bashkan) of Gagauzia will be submitted to the Central Electoral Council of Gagauzia.

The same voter lists will be used for both elections, with separate sections confirming receipt of each ballot. Voters who are not included in the basic voter lists will be able to vote on supplementary lists, under the conditions established by electoral legislation. Rules are also provided for exercising the right to vote using a passport, as well as a digital version of an identity document through the digital identity wallet recognized in the Republic of Moldova.

Regarding financial support for initiative groups and electoral contestants, individuals may contribute up to six average monthly salaries in the economy — 104,400 lei — for each type of election, of which no more than one average monthly salary — 17,400 lei — may be donated in cash. Legal entities may contribute up to 12 average monthly salaries — 208,800 lei — without exceeding 30% of their annual income recorded in the previous calendar year.

The approved rules also establish procedures for equipping electoral bodies, training election officials, verifying signature lists, organizing electoral documents, and submitting financial reports related to the organization of the elections.