The purpose of this study was to analyse trends in the membership of the political elite in the town of Tiraspol, Moldavia, USSR; the political elite being defined in terms of membership of the town soviet and Communist Party Committee (gorkom). Data cover the period 1950 - 1967, with some gaps; further information also covers membership of Moldavia republican institutions. Data were collected mainly from locally published newspapers, during a field trip in 1967-8. Variables Year of birth, sex, occupation 1950 - 67. Communist Party membership status 1950 - 67, membership and office-holding in town soviet and gorkom 1950 - 67, membership of Moldavia Supreme Soviet and Central Committee.