Cahul, August 22, 2025 – The Independent Countering Disinformation Centre (ICDC) organised a conference on “Local Disinformation and Electoral Corruption”, bringing together around 80 participants from civil society, education, and local communities.

The meeting created space for open discussions about how disinformation spreads at the local level and how electoral corruption is increasingly used as a tool of manipulation. Participants noted that misleading narratives often exploit sensitive issues such as poverty, migration, education reforms or historical symbols. Social media platforms, especially those popular among younger audiences, play a decisive role in amplifying such messages. Many agreed that instead of abandoning these spaces, adults and civic actors need to be more present in them, offering content that is relevant, accessible and adapted to different age groups. Education and early awareness were emphasised as essential in building resilience.

Electoral integrity was another key theme. Panellists pointed out that vote buying, smear campaigns and coordinated online behaviour undermine free and fair elections, feeding public distrust. They underlined that combating these issues cannot rely only on sanctions or short-term measures. Instead, resilience must be built through long-term strategies – civic education, consistent communication and continuous community engagement.

To make these risks more tangible, the conference also included the screening of two short films that illustrated how certain narratives are used in Moldova’s regions in the run-up to elections. The films sparked lively discussions and showed how storytelling can be a powerful tool for raising awareness.

The event ended on an encouraging note, with participants recognising the value of such exchanges. By creating opportunities for dialogue, ICDC continues to help communities strengthen their capacity to recognise, resist and respond to manipulation, ensuring that both citizens and institutions are better prepared for the challenges ahead