Gagauzia elections: March 22, 2026 amid legal deadlock
The elections for the People's Assembly (AP), Gagauzia’s regional legislature, will take place on March 22, 2026.
The date was set during a session on November 27, in a context of deep uncertainty regarding the functionality of the region's electoral body, which is responsible for organizing the poll.
The People's Assembly session was marked by heated debate over the appropriate date for the elections.
Deputy Vladimir Kîssa, the rapporteur for the relevant committee, proposed the March 22 date, arguing that time is needed to ensure the functionality of the Gagauzia Electoral Commission. This commission must initiate electoral procedures 90 days before the ballot.
The decision on the electoral body's fate hinges on a ruling from the Supreme Court of Justice, expected by the end of November 27. The court will decide whether to restore the regional electoral authority, which was dissolved in 2023 at the initiative of AP President Dmitri Constantinov, or to convene an interim electoral commission, the formation of which is also pending before the Court of Appeal.
According to Constantinov, who has since announced his resignation as president, even if the court decides to retain the old Electoral Commission, some of its members are no longer available. This necessitates additional time to ensure the body can function properly.
Deputy Grigori Diulger, who accused Constantinov of causing the electoral deadlock in the region, insisted the elections be held as soon as possible. He argued that residents should be able to swiftly elect new regional lawmakers to represent their interests in the local legislative body.
However, his proposed date of February 15 was deemed too risky by some colleagues, given the unknown timeline for the Electoral Commission becoming functional.
Petr Fazlî proposed holding the elections on May 10, to avoid conducting the electoral campaign during the Easter Lent and to ensure voters would be called to the polls after the conclusion of spring agricultural work.
Fifteen deputies voted in favor of the March 22 elections, while eleven lawmakers opted for May 10.
The mandate of the People's Assembly expired on November 12.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
