Disinformation targets Gagauzia regional vote set for Nov. 15
Disinformation campaigns are actively targeting the upcoming regional elections in Gagauzia, spreading misleading claims regarding polling dates, candidate language rules, and regional autonomy, a fact-checking investigation revealed.
An analysis by Stopfals.md dismissed allegations circulating ahead of the November 15 vote, demonstrating that the procedural decisions taken by election authorities strictly comply with Moldovan legislation.
Debunking institutional manipulation claims
One primary narrative claimed that the 15-member Central Electoral Council of Gagauzia (CECG) was unlawfully imposed by Chișinău to exert central control over regional balloting.
Official records confirm the electoral body was formed under statutory legal procedures. Parliamentary parties appointed nine members, the People's Assembly of Gagauzia and the Comrat Court designated two each, and the final two were selected from the national Register of Electoral Officials.
Social media posts also alleged that requiring governor candidates to speak Romanian constitutes a political barrier designed to disqualify opposition contenders. The Constitutional Court previously upheld the legality of this requirement. Furthermore, candidates face no formal written examination, validating their proficiency through a standard conversation and statement delivered in both Romanian and Gagauz.
Legal vacancy and electoral administration
Critics additionally argued that gubernatorial elections could not proceed because the executive mandate was not legally vacant. However, Gagauzia's regional legislature formally acknowledged the vacancy on August 17, 2026, following the final court ruling against former governor Evghenia Guțul.
Because the regional assembly failed to call the election within the statutory 80-day deadline, Moldova's Central Electoral Commission scheduled the vote in compliance with the national Electoral Code.
Addressing claims by assembly speaker Valentin Gaidarji that authorities seek to liquidate regional autonomy, the investigation highlighted that the regional legislature itself disbanded its permanent electoral body in 2023. Regional elections for governor and all 35 seats in the People's Assembly will take place on November 15 under standard national electoral rules.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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