Around 20 representatives of regional and national media took part in the Electoral School for Journalists, held in Comrat, ATU Gagauzia. The two-day programme focused on the legal framework, context and administration of the 2026 regional elections: elections to the People’s Assembly of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, the region’s legislative body, and the election of the Governor (Baskan) of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, scheduled for 15 November 2026.
Participants explored topics including the regional electoral system, the roles of electoral management bodies, candidate registration and key stages of the electoral calendar. Sessions also addressed disinformation, electoral integrity, voter education and journalists’ access to electoral information. Practical discussions covered information verification, reporting on alleged violations, coverage of voting and results, and protection of the secrecy of the vote.
The sessions connected the practical aspects of election administration with the challenges journalists face when covering electoral campaign events. Angelica Caraman, President of the Central Electoral Commission, discussed the legal framework and organisation of the current regional elections. Council of Europe consultants explained the evolution of the electoral process in ATU Gagauzia and shared advice on how journalists can better inform the public while remaining independent and impartial.
For the first time, the regional elections are being organised under the Electoral Code of the Republic of Moldova which was amended accordingly on 26 August 2026. Previously, regional elections were conducted under the Gagauz Electoral Code, which is no longer in force. The Comrat event therefore provided an opportunity to share essential information about the new, unified rules with local journalists, helping them report on the regional electoral process professionally, accurately and impartially.
The event was held as part of the project ”Improving Electoral Practice in the Republic of Moldova (IEPRM) 2025-2028”, under the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025–2028, in partnership with the Central Electoral Commission and Centre for Continuous Electoral Training.
