Angelica Karaman
These challenges stem from the use of cryptocurrencies and fintech tools for the illegal financing of election campaigns and foreign financial interference through new digital channels.
The event is organized by Moldova’s Central Election Commission. More than 100 people are participating—representatives of electoral bodies, anti-corruption agencies, civil society organizations, investigative journalists, and international experts.
In her opening remarks, Central Election Commission (CEC) Chair Anjelica Karaman emphasized that the rapid transformation of the digital space is fundamentally changing the ways in which election campaigns are financed and conducted.
According to her, during the most recent parliamentary elections in Moldova, reported spending on online advertising increased by more than 100,000 euros compared to the previous elections, representing a growth of more than 39%.
The Digital Realities of the Electoral Process
“The digital space is increasingly becoming the main arena for electoral competition, and democratic institutions are called upon to adapt their tools and safeguards to these new realities,” said Angelica Karaman, emphasizing the need for joint measures to address the new risks posed by political financing in the online environment.
Igor Grosu, Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament, who attended the event, noted the importance of regional cooperation in identifying and countering new forms of influence on democratic processes, emphasizing that the challenges facing the region’s states extend beyond national borders and require joint solutions.
“It is good that there is such a format in which we learn from one another,” the Speaker noted. “Each country contributes its own experience and lessons learned, and the exchange of best practices helps us better understand common problems and find more effective solutions to protect democratic processes.”
During the plenary sessions, experts from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), the Council of Europe, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and others discussed mechanisms for identifying cross-border financial interference, oversight of virtual assets, and the use of artificial intelligence in monitoring political campaigns.
