The study “Echo chamber as a transformative digital phenomenon – an outlook on the Moldovan electoral system’s past, present and future” presents a radiography of the main changes, transformations, and digital phenomena, which currently mark the electoral processes in the Republic of Moldova.

Analyzing the last four presidential and parliamentary elections held in the Republic of Moldova, the study has revealed that the social media plays an increased critical and determinant role in how electoral campaigns are run or conducted, how candidates and political parties develop and implement their political strategies, how voters interact with electoral stakeholders, how Moldovans consume the news and take decisions and, ultimately, how different phenomena influence both the electoral candidates and the voters.

Also, the study presents conclusions and recommendations for the authorities, population at large and civic stakeholders, equipping them with the necessary knowledge, good practices, methodologies, and capacities to conduct the next elections, by harnessing the digital dividends, respecting the democratic and fundamental human rights and by taking into consideration the digital realities, threats, and opportunities.

The study was developed by Natalia Vozian, Electoral and Digital Literacy Expert, contracted by UNDP Moldova.