Strengthening Electoral Cooperation: International IDEA Facilitates Working Meeting Between the Central Election Commissions of Ukraine and Moldova

On 4 April 2025, International IDEA facilitated a high-level working meeting in Chișinău between the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Ukraine and the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Moldova. The exchange was part of International IDEA’s continued support to electoral institutions in Eastern Europe, fostering dialogue, peer learning, and democratic resilience in times of significant regional challenges.

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The Ukrainian delegation was led by Mr. Oleh Didenko, Chair of the CEC of Ukraine, and included CEC members Ms. Oksana Boyarchuk, Mr. Andriy Evstighneev, and Mr. Pavlo Liubchenko. The Moldovan CEC was represented by its Chairperson, Ms. Angelica Caraman, Vice-Chair Mr. Pavel Postica, members Mr. Mircea Catîrău, Ms. Tatiana Barburoș, Mr. Vasile Postolache, Ms. Teodora Vanghelii, Mr. Vadim Filipov, Ms. Rita Lefter-Simașco, and Head of Communications Ms. Rodica Sîrbu.

International IDEA was represented by Ms. Yuliya Shypilova, Programme Manager, Ms. Vania Anguelova, International Electoral Expert, and Ms. Natalia Iuras, Project Manager for Moldova. The International IDEA team facilitated the dialogue, provided comparative insights, and ensured the discussion remained anchored in the broader context of regional electoral integrity and institutional cooperation.

The discussions focused on Moldova’s recent experience in conducting the 2024 presidential elections and national referendum, providing valuable insights into:

• Organizing voting for citizens abroad, including mechanisms outside of diplomatic missions and consulates;
• Implementing and managing postal voting;
• Voter registration procedures for citizens living outside the country;
• Financing of election campaigns and political advertising, and the framework for financial transparency;
• Combating foreign interference in electoral processes, especially in the areas of disinformation, cyber threats, and institutional trust.

As Chairperson Angelica Caraman of the Moldovan CEC stated during the meeting:

“This meeting represents an important moment in strengthening our bilateral relations and exchanging experience in the field of elections. In the current context, marked by complex challenges, it is essential to join forces to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. The Republic of Moldova and Ukraine share common democratic values, and we are determined to strengthen our electoral institutions in the service of our citizens.”

The Ukrainian delegation emphasized that Moldova’s experience is of particular importance for Ukraine, given the shared geopolitical pressures and the likelihood that many of the methods used to interfere in Moldova’s electoral processes will be applied — in expanded form — in Ukraine’s future post-war elections.

As CEC of Ukraine Chair Oleh Didenko noted:

“The experience of the Republic of Moldova is extremely valuable to us, given the similar challenges, a shared adversary, and the fact that many interference technologies tested in Moldova are likely to be scaled during Ukraine’s post-war elections. We deeply appreciate Moldova’s openness and support — this exchange will help Ukraine prepare for the difficult but essential task of restoring democratic procedures in a post-war context.”

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This working meeting built on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two Commissions in December 2023, which laid the foundation for structured cooperation and the sharing of best practices. International IDEA remains committed to supporting such partnerships that promote institutional resilience, electoral integrity, and democratic values in the region.