On 22 August 2026, the Association for Participatory Democracy (ADEPT) held a public event in the centre of Comrat municipality, "Городок честных выборов" – "The Town of Fair Elections", dedicated to informing citizens about electoral integrity, the prevention of electoral corruption and the importance of a free, secret and informed vote.

The event was organised in the context of Comrat Municipality Day and sought to bring electoral information closer to citizens in an accessible and participatory format. The concept was designed so that participants could examine concrete situations, ask questions and speak directly with experts about what is permitted and what is prohibited during an electoral period. The objectives of the activity included raising awareness of vote buying, electoral pressure and the misuse of public resources, as well as strengthening citizens' ability to distinguish between lawful conduct, questionable situations and acts of electoral corruption.

A significant intervention in the electoral context of ATU Gagauzia

Holding such an activity in ATU Gagauzia is of particular relevance in the current regional context. Elections to the People's Assembly of Gagauzia are expected on 15 November — a vote that is essential for the functioning of the autonomy's representative institutions and for consolidating democratic legitimacy at regional level.

In recent years, ATU Gagauzia has faced a high level of political polarisation, distrust towards institutions and a fragmented information environment. At the same time, the available data indicate that citizens' interest in public life remains high: almost 58% of respondents in the region say they are interested in social and political developments in ATU Gagauzia, and around 60% in those at national level.

Under these circumstances, the issue is not a lack of public interest, but rather the need to strengthen access to credible information, the ability to recognise unlawful electoral practices, and the confidence that individual participation can influence democratic processes.

"Electoral corruption cannot be prevented through rules and sanctions alone. It is equally important that people know their rights, are able to recognise attempts at unlawful influence, and trust that their vote counts. Through activities such as this one, carried out directly in communities, we contribute directly to strengthening democratic resilience in the region, which will have residents who are better able to reject manipulation, pressure and electoral corruption." — Polina Panainte, Deputy Director of ADEPT.

Active participation and strong interest in electoral topics

One of the main outcomes of the activity was the high level of participation and interest shown by the residents of Comrat municipality and by visitors to the city.

Participants asked numerous questions about electoral rules, about the difference between lawful and prohibited actions, and about how citizens can respond when faced with attempts to influence their vote.

Discussions covered, among other issues, the offering of money, goods or other benefits during the electoral period, the secrecy of the vote, requests to photograph the ballot paper, pressure exerted on voters, and the institutions to which possible violations can be reported.

The interaction with the public confirmed the need for such activities. In many cases, participants were familiar with the general principles but sought clarification on how these apply in specific situations. The format, based on practical examples, made it possible to explain not only what is prohibited, but also why certain practices undermine the freedom of the vote and the integrity of the entire electoral process.

The discussions also revealed a clear expectation on the part of participants that the forthcoming elections to the People's Assembly of Gagauzia will be held under free and fair conditions, without vote buying or other forms of unlawful electoral influence.

For ADEPT, carrying out such activities in ATU Gagauzia is part of a broader effort to bring electoral information closer to communities and to strengthen civic participation. Direct dialogue also makes it possible to identify voters' real questions and concerns and to adapt future interventions to their needs.

Ahead of the regional elections to the People's Assembly, ADEPT will continue to promote accurate information, responsible participation and respect for the principles of free and fair elections in ATU Gagauzia.

"Городок честных выборов" was organised by the ADEPT Association within the project "Resilient Democracy through Countering Corruption (REDACT)", funded by the European Union and implemented with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).