The event aimed to provide the media with clear reference points for understanding and monitoring the electoral process in a context where the rules governing regional elections have been substantially amended. For ADEPT, clear rules, transparency and access to information are important conditions both for free and fair elections and for strengthening citizens’ trust in democratic institutions.

In the first part of the discussion, Igor Boțan, Executive Director of ADEPT, presented the institutional context that preceded the changes to the electoral framework: the deadlock surrounding the organization of regional elections, the evolution of relations between central and autonomous authorities, the Constitutional Court’s decision of July 2026, and the legislative intervention that followed. ADEPT had previously emphasized the need for a clear, predictable and functional electoral framework, as well as continued dialogue between central and regional authorities and civil society.

Participants also examined the new architecture of electoral administration, including the role of the Central Electoral Council of Gagauzia, its relationship with the Central Electoral Commission, the distribution of responsibilities between different levels of electoral administration, and the relevant oversight mechanisms.

A separate topic concerned the transitional regime applicable to the 2026 elections for the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. Although the new legislation provides for a future transition to a proportional electoral system, this year’s elections will still be held in single-member constituencies.

Angelica Caraman, Chairperson of the Central Electoral Commission, presented the eligibility and registration requirements for candidates running for Bashkan and for seats in the People’s Assembly. The discussion covered age and residence requirements, how the period of residence in the autonomy will be verified, the requirement for Bashkan candidates to know the Gagauz and Romanian languages, the possibility of running simultaneously for both offices, and the procedure for collecting and verifying supporting signatures.

In turn, Pavel Postica, Deputy Chairperson of the CEC, addressed the rules governing campaign finance. The discussion covered spending limits and funding sources, risks of illegal financing and circumvention of the rules, online campaigning, and the new provisions concerning disguised independent candidates and disguised support.

An important part of the Press Club was dedicated to questions from journalists. The discussion was guided by the understanding that independent and well-informed media play an essential role in monitoring electoral processes, identifying potential irregularities and explaining them accurately to the public.

ADEPT will continue to monitor the organization of regional elections in ATU Gagauzia, with a focus on the transparency of electoral administration, consistent application of the rules, campaign finance, prevention of electoral corruption, and respect for citizens’ right to make a free and informed choice.

The event was organized by the Association for Participatory Democracy ADEPT within the “REDACT – Resilient Democracy through Anti-Corruption” project, implemented by UNDP Moldova with financial support from the European Union.