Gagauzia election campaign: Promises of social support and economic recovery
The election campaign in Gagauzia for the November 15 vote began on Friday, October 16, with promises of social support, a fair economy, and the preservation of national values and identity. Among the commitments made by the candidates is the conducting of a financial-economic and administrative audit within the first 100 days of their term.
Independent candidate for Bashkan, lawmaker Alexandr Stoianoglo, announced in a Facebook post that he will visit every town and village in Gagauzia to speak with residents.
His electoral platform, titled "Gagauzia: An Autonomy of Justice," is built upon seven principles, including the rule of law, dialogue between Comrat and Chisinau, and the development of an equitable economy.
Former Democratic Party lawmaker Corneliu Dudnic has also entered the race, running as an independent candidate for the position of Bashkan. He argues that Gagauzia faces economic decline, a demographic crisis, political isolation, and weakened institutions. If elected Bashkan, he promises to conduct a comprehensive financial, economic, and administrative audit within his first 100 days in office.
"My platform is not based on grand, sweeping promises, but rather on concrete commitments and a personal responsibility to see them through. My goal is to restore the people's trust in the authorities, revitalize the economy, and strengthen the status of the autonomy," stated Corneliu Dudnic.
Fiodor Gagauz, the candidate nominated by the Party of Socialists, launched his campaign at an event held at the House of Culture in Comrat. At the same event, the party's 23 candidates for seats in the People's Assembly of Gagauzia also presented their platforms. The "Moldovenii" (Moldovans) Alliance political party does not have a candidate for Bashkan, but it is participating in the People's Assembly of Gagauzia elections. The party has fielded candidates in seven of the 35 electoral districts, the party's secretary-general, Victor Marohovschi, said.
At a press conference, party representatives said their goal is to support Gagauzia's economic development, preserve human capital, and significantly improve the quality of life for the region's residents.
"Our party's program covers all areas—from modernizing infrastructure and stimulating economic growth to providing social support and preserving our national identity," the party's representatives noted.
Residents of Gagauzia are expected to head to the polls on November 15 to elect their Bashkan and the 35 deputies of the People's Assembly, the region's legislative body.
Eight individuals are running for Bashkan: Fiodor Gaguz, Alexandr Stoianoglo, Corneliu Dudnic, Ivan Kîlcic, Petru Vlah, Ivanna Koksal, Serghei Anastasov, and Oleg Garizan. A total of 135 candidates have entered the race for a seat in the People's Assembly: 42 have been nominated by political parties, while 93 are running as independents.
Sixty-seven polling stations will be set up for the more than 129,000 eligible voters.
