On August 29, 2026, the Association for Participatory Democracy ADEPT held a public activity called "Городок честных выборов" — "The Little Town of Honest Elections" — as part of the Carpet Festival in the village of Gaidar, dedicated to electoral integrity, the prevention of electoral corruption, and the promotion of a free, secret, and informed vote.

ADEPT's presence at one of the region's most important cultural events sought to naturally connect two dimensions essential to any community: preserving local identity and traditions, on the one hand, and citizens' capacity to freely and responsibly decide their own future, on the other.

A carpet is woven thread by thread. Trust in a community is built vote by vote — free, informed, and free of corruption.

The activities were designed in an accessible, participatory format suited to the festival atmosphere. Participants were able to analyze real-life scenarios, ask questions, and discuss directly topics such as permitted and prohibited conduct during the electoral period, pressure on voters, ballot secrecy, vote-buying, and the use of public resources.

Electoral Education at a Key Moment for the ATU of Gagauzia

Holding the activity in Gaidar carries particular relevance given the ongoing preparations for the upcoming elections of the People's Assembly of Gagauzia and the Bashkan, expected on November 15, as well as the elections in Tomai and Chirsova on November 1.

The regional vote will take place against a backdrop of both institutional challenges and vulnerabilities linked to polarization, distrust, information manipulation, and risks of electoral corruption. Under such conditions, citizens' ability to recognize unfair practices and understand their own electoral rights becomes all the more necessary.

At the same time, experience from recent years shows that public interest in civic life and electoral processes remains high among the population of the ATU of Gagauzia. This is precisely why community-based information activities can help turn that interest into more informed participation that is more resilient to pressure, manipulation, and corrupt practices.

From General Principles to Concrete Situations

In Gaidar, discussions with participants began with easily recognizable real-life cases. People were invited to decide whether particular situations were legal, questionable, or could amount to acts of electoral corruption, and to justify their own answers.

Topics discussed included offering money, goods, or other benefits in exchange for electoral support, requests to photograph a ballot, pressure exerted on voters, the use of one's position or public resources for electoral purposes, and ways of reporting possible violations.

Direct interaction with the public once again showed that, while many people are familiar with the general principles of fair elections, numerous questions arise once these principles must be applied to concrete situations. For this reason, the format based on examples, games, and short discussions made it possible to explain more clearly the difference between a legitimate electoral practice and one that can undermine the freedom of the vote.

At the same time, participants expressed interest in how the region's upcoming elections will be organized and in the safeguards needed to ensure they take place free of pressure and vote-buying.

For ADEPT, the activity in Gaidar represented a natural continuation of its ongoing work in the region and confirmed the value of direct dialogue with citizens. Such formats not only convey information but also allow for a better understanding of local concerns, questions, and perceptions.

Ahead of the elections for the People's Assembly of Gagauzia and the Bashkan, as well as the local elections, ADEPT will continue its electoral information and education activities in the region, promoting responsible participation, access to accurate information, and respect for the principles of free, fair, and honest elections.

"Городок честных выборов" was organized by the ADEPT Association as part of the project "Resilient Democracy through Anti-Corruption Action (REDACT)," funded by the European Union and implemented with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).