Moldova proposes new rules for online electoral campaigning

The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) of Moldova has proposed new draft regulations to govern online electoral campaigning. The proposal aims to increase transparency regarding digital activities, the use of artificial intelligence, and the financing of electoral promotion.

The draft introduces several new legal concepts, including ‘online electoral advertising’, ‘electoral influencer’, ‘electoral content creator’, and ‘coordinated inauthentic behavior’. A key focus is the regulation of third parties—individuals or organizations that use financial resources to influence voting without being official candidates or parties. Under these rules, such actors may face registration, record-keeping, and reporting requirements.

Stricter oversight is planned for actors who appear independent but are actually operating under the direction or coordination of an electoral contestant. In such instances, their activities would no longer be classified as independent, and related expenses could be attributed to the candidate or party. Additionally, the CEC would manage a new Register of Participants in Online Electoral Communication to track those systematically involved in digital campaigning.