Tomai poll workers open Gagauzia vote with Moldovan national anthem
Election officials in Tomai opened Sunday's regional elections in southern Moldova's autonomous Gagauzia region by singing the national anthem in traditional folk attire before voters began casting ballots for governor and local lawmakers.
Symbolic opening in Tomai
Staff at Polling Station No. 66 performed the State Anthem of the Republic of Moldova early on November 15, prior to the 07:00 EET opening of the polls. Gagauzia's Central Electoral Council (CECG) published footage of the ceremony on Sunday morning.
The regional electoral body noted that the symbolic gesture expressed respect for state symbols, national traditions, and democratic values. “We want the ballot to take place in conditions of legality, transparency, and mutual respect,” the council said in a statement.
High-stakes regional races
More than 129,000 registered voters across Gagauzia are expected at 67 polling stations, which remain open until 21:00 EET. Each voter receives two ballots to simultaneously elect the autonomous region's governor, known locally as the Bashkan, and the 35-seat People's Assembly.
Moldova's national Central Electoral Commission (CEC) reported that authorities printed 258,780 ballots in three languages: Romanian, Russian, and Gagauz. Eight candidates—five independents and three party nominees—are competing for the governor's office.
Meanwhile, 138 contenders, including 95 independents, are running for the regional legislature across 35 single-member constituencies. Each electoral district will elect one deputy to the People's Assembly.
International and domestic oversight
Both regional and national authorities accredited over 230 monitors to oversee the voting process. Gagauzia's electoral council accredited 149 domestic observers representing five non-governmental organizations.
In parallel, Moldova's national electoral commission accredited 83 international observers for Sunday's vote. The international contingent represents 14 diplomatic missions and two international organizations.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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