The Association for Participatory Democracy ADEPT organized a round of discussions between representatives of the main television stations in the Republic of Moldova and members of the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (CALC), with the aim of identifying viable solutions for organizing useful and professional electoral debates for the benefit of voters.

The Association for Participatory Democracy ADEPT organized a round of discussions between representatives of the main television stations in the Republic of Moldova and members of the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (CALC), with the aim of identifying viable solutions for organizing useful and professional electoral debates for the benefit of voters.

The event took place within the ADEPT Press Club – a platform created by ADEPT in partnership with UNDP Moldova and with the support of Norway, Sweden, Canada, and Denmark, aimed at encouraging media dialogue on topics of major public interest, including the integrity of electoral processes.

The discussions focused on recurring issues that affect the quality of electoral debates: candidates refusing to participate in programs, the lack of clear and uniform rules for organizing debates, the unregulated behavior of some participants, as well as the logistical and editorial pressures faced by media teams. Participants also highlighted the growing trend of moving debates online, in formats controlled by the candidates themselves, which may bypass democratic confrontation and avoid uncomfortable questions.

“In recent years, electoral debates seem to be losing their substance, and candidates increasingly avoid genuine dialogue. In the second round of the 2020 presidential election, candidates excluded the press from debates, with some opting for convenient formats without professional moderation. These practices diminish public interest and undermine the democratic essence of electoral debates,” stated Polina Panainte, Deputy Director of ADEPT and Secretary of the CALC Coalition.

Participants expressed their willingness to explore the idea of organizing joint debates, conducted in a format agreed upon by several TV stations, with moderators from different newsrooms and in compliance with professional standards. Despite ongoing challenges related to broadcasting schedules, the language of transmission, and the moderation format, the initiative was seen as promising.

ADEPT, together with CALC member organizations, reaffirms its commitment to facilitating consultations between media institutions and electoral stakeholders, to ensure a transparent electoral process in which voters have access to relevant information and authentic debates focused on the public interest.

The event was organized by the ADEPT Association as part of the project “Strengthening Democratic Resilience in Moldova,” implemented by UNDP Moldova and funded by Norway, Canada, Sweden, and Denmark.