Elections

Voters in Moldova’s Gagauzia validate regional leadership elections

Published

Voters in Moldova’s autonomous Gagauzia region crossed the 25% turnout threshold required for validation in Sunday’s dual elections for Governor (Bashkan) and the People’s Assembly, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) reported.

By 15:15, a total of 33,005 residents had cast their ballots, representing 25.49% of registered voters. Under electoral rules, participation by at least one-quarter of the electorate is needed to validate the polls, meaning the threshold was met hours before voting closes.

Turnout disparities across districts

Precinct No. 15 in Bugeac recorded the highest participation rate at 41.94%, with 572 ballots cast. Turnout also exceeded 30% in the districts of Etulia, Ferapontievca, Carbalia, Cazaclia, and Cotovscoe.

Conversely, Precinct No. 12 in Baurci registered the lowest participation at 17.70%, where 1,221 voters went to the polls. Electoral officials closed requests for mobile ballot boxes at 14:00 and dispatched mobile teams to voters unable to travel to polling stations.

The CEC urged residents to rely exclusively on official channels and verify information before sharing it to prevent the spread of false or misleading messages. All 67 polling stations across the autonomous region remain open until 21:00, with real-time turnout data updated on the commission’s platform.

Crowded race for regional offices

More than 129,000 eligible voters registered in the State Register of Voters are expected to choose the region’s executive leader and legislature on November 15. Eight candidates are competing for Governor: Fiodor Gagauz, Alexandr Stoianoglo, Cornel Dudnic, Ivan Cîlcic, Petru Vlah, Ivanna Koksal, Serghei Anastasov, and Oleg Garizan.

Meanwhile, 134 candidates are contesting seats in the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. Independents make up the vast majority of the legislative ballot, with 93 candidates—or 68.9% of the field—running without party affiliation.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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