Mihail Sirkeli on the Bashkan election: "The winner will be supported by Moscow"
The election for Governor (Bashkan) of Gagauzia is entering the candidate registration phase, and the campaign is already marked by political disputes and discussions about Moscow's influence in the region. Journalist Mihail Sirkeli argues that candidates' profiles may matter less than the political support they receive, and the November 15 vote could affect not only the administration in Comrat but also the relationship between Chișinău and the autonomous region.
In an interview on Radio Moldova’s "Zi de Zi" program, Sirkeli noted that although the candidate registration process has begun, actual electoral activity is not yet very visible in the region. According to the journalist, several potential candidates announced their intentions to run in Chișinău but subsequently showed a limited presence in Comrat.
"For the moment, I don't see—or rather, there isn't—any activity there," stated Mihail Sirkeli, referring to the start of the registration process. He explained that those intending to run must apply to the Central Electoral Council to submit their requests and receive signature collection lists.
Regarding the profile of a candidate likely to make an impact in the race, the journalist emphasized political backing and regional networks of influence. Sirkeli believes that support from Moscow could play a significant role in determining the election outcome.
"I believe that, ultimately, the winner will be the one supported by Moscow, either directly or indirectly," the journalist asserted. In his view, under these circumstances, a candidate's public profile or popularity might matter less than support from political networks already established in Gagauzia.
Another topic discussed was the new requirement that the gubernatorial candidate know Romanian. Sirkeli noted that no polls indicate how the local population views this provision and that critical reactions have come primarily from politicians and activists aligned with the Șor group. The journalist argued that this requirement is justified by the Bashkan's status as a member of the Government of the Republic of Moldova. "The fact is that the Bashkan is a member of the Government and must know the state language. Otherwise, how can he participate in Government meetings if he doesn't understand?" stated Mihail Sirkeli.
Regarding the November 15 vote—when elections for the position of Bashkan and for the People's Assembly of Gagauzia will take place simultaneously—the journalist does not anticipate a fundamental shift in the region's political landscape. He said that, in his view, political developments in Comrat depend heavily on Chisinau's stance and Moscow's influence.
"The political scene is controlled by Moscow; that is the reality," Sirkeli said, adding that Moscow might attempt to secure both the Bashkan's office and a majority in the future People's Assembly.
According to the journalist, the political stakes of the elections extend beyond Gagauz autonomy. He believes Moscow might try to exploit the situation in Gagauzia to pressure Chisinau regarding the Republic of Moldova's European integration path.
"Moscow will try to use Gagauzia to intimidate the Republic of Moldova and its international partners regarding the European path, and to create another hotbed of separatism here in the south of the Republic of Moldova," Sirkeli declared.
As for the issues likely to dominate the election campaign, the journalist believes that European integration will not necessarily be the central topic. Conversely, he anticipates that the campaign might promote the idea that the authorities in Chișinău intend to curtail the powers of the Gagauz autonomy.
Sirkeli also dismissed the notion of separating social issues from political ones during the campaign. When asked what the people of Gagauzia need and what changes they expect following the elections, the journalist insisted that politics remains the primary factor influencing voting behavior in the region.
"We cannot leave politics out of it, because here... People might say one thing but vote for something else, and it is—and will continue to be—a political matter," stated Mihail Sirkeli.
Electoral context
The submission of documents to register candidates for the office of Governor (Bashkan) of Gagauzia began on September 21 and will conclude on October 6. Candidates must file documents with the Central Electoral Council of Gagauzia in Comrat. Independent candidates may request the subscription lists required to collect supporting signatures.
Under electoral regulations, a person may run for Governor if they have the right to vote, are at least 35 years old, have lived in Gagauzia for at least 10 years, and are proficient in both Gagauz and Romanian, in addition to meeting other statutory requirements.
Independent candidates must submit supporting signatures from at least 1% of registered voters—no fewer than 1,500 individuals—from at least half of Gagauzia’s localities. For female candidates, the threshold is at least 0.5% (but no fewer than 750 individuals) from at least half of the region's localities.
Registration requests are reviewed within a maximum of seven days of document submission, after which a decision is made on the candidate's registration or its refusal.
The election for the office of Governor will take place on November 15, 2026, coinciding with the election for the People's Assembly of Gagauzia. For the first time, the Promo-LEX Association will monitor both elections, with an observation mission involving nearly 80 people. According to the Central Electoral Commission, organizing the two elections will cost the state budget over 13.6 million lei. The term of the current People's Assembly of Gagauzia expired on November 15, 2025. Bashkan's office became vacant after Evghenia Guțul’s conviction became final, and the authorities in Comrat adopted a decision to this effect on August 17, 2026.
So far, Fiodor Gagauz, Nicolai Dudoglo, Grigori Uzun, Alexandr Stoianoglo, Ivana Koksal, and Piotr Vlah have announced their intention to run for Bashkan.
