Report Launch: Mapping of election-related FIMI enablers and incentives in the Republic of Moldova
The report, Mapping of Election-Related Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) Enablers and Incentives in the Republic of Moldova, presents a comprehensive analysis of the factors enabling and incentivizing foreign interference in Moldova’s electoral processes. Developed by the Association for Participatory Democracy (ADEPT) in collaboration with the International IDEA and supported by Global Affairs Canada, this report applies a 22-factor analytical framework to identify vulnerabilities in Moldova’s political, social, media, and digital environments.
The findings reveal a dual reality: while Moldova has made significant progress in strengthening its legal framework for elections, political finance, and media regulation, persistent challenges remain. Low public trust in institutions, political polarization, socioeconomic fragility, and gaps in digital regulation create opportunities for malign actors, particularly from the Russian Federation, to exploit Moldova’s information ecosystem.
The report highlights how domestic proxies, fragmented media environments, and unregulated online platforms amplify disinformation and manipulation, especially during electoral cycles. To address these challenges, the report offers actionable recommendations to enhance institutional resilience, safeguard electoral integrity, improve oversight of online political communication, and build civic resistance to disinformation. It emphasizes the need for coordinated policy action, international cooperation, and sustained investment in democratic resilience, aligning these efforts with Moldova’s European integration goals.
This launch event served as a platform to discuss the report’s findings and recommendations, fostering dialogue among policymakers, civil society, and international partners to ensure Moldova’s electoral processes remain transparent, secure, and resilient against foreign interference.
