The First Electoral Forum 2025 brings together the main actors of the democratic process to analyze the 2024 elections and referendum and discuss measures to strengthen electoral transparency and fairness.

Today marks the first Electoral Forum 2025, a civic initiative bringing together key actors of the democratic process to assess the 2024 presidential elections and referendum and define the necessary steps to strengthen transparency and fairness in electoral processes. Discussions focused on key topics such as electoral legislation, the integrity of elections, campaign financing, the impact of mass media and disinformation, as well as measures taken to combat hate speech and political polarization.

"The organizers of the Electoral Forum aimed to address the most important electoral issues and challenges. I believe we have succeeded in this goal because our mission is simple: guaranteeing voters’ electoral rights and ensuring equal conditions for all electoral competitors. Citizens and civil society organizations remain committed to free and fair elections. The credibility of electoral processes is essential for a modern, democratic, and stable society, and this can only be achieved through dialogue, openness, and cooperation," said Ion Manole, Executive Director of Promo-LEX.

The event gathered over 100 participants, including representatives of Parliament, the Central Electoral Commission, the General Police Inspectorate, political leaders, experts, journalists, and civil society members, within an interactive debate framework designed to identify solutions for the fair organization of the 2025 parliamentary elections.

According to the Declaration of the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections, the October 20 and November 3, 2024 elections were marked by external influences, electoral corruption, and discriminatory rhetoric, affecting the transparency and integrity of the process. The conclusions are based on observations made by CALC member organizations during electoral monitoring missions.

"For 30 years, civil society has been monitoring elections in Moldova, identifying irregularities, and proposing solutions to improve the electoral process. We do not do this alone – we collaborate with state institutions, the government, and the opposition because fair rules benefit everyone, regardless of who is in power. Thanks to this effort, today, voters can cast their ballots more easily, including from abroad, and election observers can freely report violations. Without civil society, many irregularities would remain hidden, and trust in elections would be much weaker. Our work ensures that every citizen has the opportunity to make their voice heard through an informed vote," stated Polina Panainte, Secretary of the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections.

Organizers emphasize that ongoing dialogue between authorities, political parties, and civil society is crucial to ensuring transparency and guaranteeing every citizen’s right to vote freely. The conclusions and proposals from the forum will be integrated into official recommendations and presented to authorities and the public in the near future.

"The Electoral Forum 2025 has proven its usefulness as a discussion platform. The main takeaway is that open dialogue and the exchange of arguments on sensitive topics can help identify the most effective solutions for overcoming disagreements. This process benefits everyone, as all actors involved must participate in shaping the legal framework to prevent future disputes. Thus, opposition parties must be assured of fair conditions in the electoral process, and any democratic government must acknowledge that, following free and fair elections, they may end up in opposition—without experiencing a 'boomerang effect’," highlighted Igor Boțan, Executive Director of ADEPT Association.

The Electoral Forum 2025 was organized by the ADEPT Association and Promo-LEX Association, under the auspices of the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (CALC), with financial support from the European Union, the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF), and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.