Information and communication technologies (ICTs) play an increasing role in all spheres of life, including in election administration. While the use of digital technologies increases transparency of, and facilitates, the electoral processes, it brings new challenges, in particular in term of cybersecurity and disinformation.

The integrity of the electoral process is fundamental to maintaining public trust in the legitimacy of democratic institutions. In this context, dedicated staff of the Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Moldova (CEC), Training Centre and Central Electoral Commission of ATU Gagauzia, participated in a 3-day training further improving their competences in cybersecurity and preventing disinformation. The training followed the Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections (BRIDGE) methodology.

At the opening, the audience was addressed by the Chairwoman of the CEC, Angelica Caraman, Giulia Re, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau and Franck Daeschler, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe Elections and Participatory Democracy Division.

“I want to express my confidence that the Council of Europe trainers will be able to contribute to strengthening participants' knowledge and skills on cybersecurity, cryptographic techniques. Efficient computerized and electronic systems, the actions of electoral bodies to combat the disinformation in line with the Council of Europe recommendations, guidelines and standards in the field, are crucial in increasing the public trust in the electoral system of the Republic of Moldova”, mentioned the Deputy Head of Office of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau, Giulia Re.

Press release (available only in Romanian)

The training was organised and funded by the Council of Europe electoral support project ‘Improving Electoral Practice in the Republic of Moldova, Phase II’.