The 2026 edition of the Electoral Forum focused on the parliamentary elections held in September 2025. The event brought together public authorities, members of parliament, experts, diplomats, and civil society representatives to analyze the electoral process and discuss challenges and lessons for future elections.
The Association for Participatory Democracy (ADEPT) and the Promo-LEX Association organized the forum under the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (CALC). The organizers provided a professional setting to assess how electoral legislation, institutions, and political actors functioned in practice.
At the opening, the organizers stressed the forum role as a space for professional reflection and dialogue. They aimed to identify lessons from the 2025 elections, highlight progress and vulnerabilities, and set priorities to strengthen democracy and electoral integrity in the Republic of Moldova.
Ion Manole, Executive Director of Promo-LEX, said that the Electoral Forum 2026 serves as a key platform for strengthening electoral integrity. He noted that presenting Promo-LEX findings and engaging directly with political actors, institutions, and civil society helps identify practical solutions to ensure fair, transparent, and inclusive elections.
Igor Botan, Executive Director of ADEPT, stated that the 2025 elections showed Moldova ability to organize elections under unprecedented pressure. He also warned that illegal cross border financing and digital manipulation are advancing faster than existing rules. He emphasized that civil society contributes data and analysis to help the state adapt before vulnerabilities reappear.
Angelica Caraman, Chairperson of the Central Electoral Commission, said the forum has become a platform for professional analysis and open dialogue among institutions involved in elections. She described the 2025 parliamentary elections as among the most complex in recent years, due to external interference and the need for mid process adjustments. She added that cooperation among state institutions, civil society, media, and citizens ensured transparency and voting security.
International partners highlighted democratic standards, transparency, and independent monitoring.
Fern Horine, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Republic of Moldova, said the UK works with Moldova to strengthen trust, ensure transparency, and protect the electoral environment from extremist influence. She noted that, despite serious challenges, Moldova has shown strong democratic resilience through cooperation between institutions, civil society, and citizens.
Petra Larke, Ambassador of Sweden to the Republic of Moldova, said the forum confirms the importance of election monitoring as a form of political accountability. She stressed that recent elections required constant vigilance, transparency, and institutional coordination, and that electoral integrity challenges affect many European countries.
Dominique Waag, Ambassador of France to the Republic of Moldova, said the forum offers the right moment to reflect on what worked, what proved resilient, and what still needs strengthening. She emphasized that democratic resilience develops over time and that France supports Moldova democracy through partnership and mutual learning, including support for Promo-LEX expertise.
Daniela Vidaicu, Executive Director of the Soros Foundation Moldova, stated that free and fair elections and public trust in institutions are essential for democracy and Moldova European path. She warned that democratic processes face increasing pressure from authoritarian political forces and stressed the importance of protecting rule of law institutions.
During two plenary sessions, participants presented the final findings of the Promo-LEX Election Observation Mission. Together with representatives of the Central Electoral Commission and ADEPT, they discussed progress, vulnerabilities, and strategic priorities in electoral governance and legislation.
The debates addressed current challenges and solutions to strengthen electoral integrity. Topics included third parties in elections, undeclared campaigning and political influence, the political party system and authentic pluralism, and universal suffrage with its access and risks.
ADEPT and Promo-LEX organized the event under the Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections with financial support from Sweden, the Government of the United Kingdom, the European Union, the Embassy of France in the Republic of Moldova, the Council of Europe, and the Soros Foundation Moldova.
Realitatea TV and rlive.md broadcast the Electoral Forum 2026 live.