The world’s democracy is facing unprecedented threats from a new wave of covert, malicious interference. These attacks threaten election officials and voters, fuel partisan distrust, and undermine public confidence in the integrity of elections and democratic processes. They also threaten the safety of people involved in election management—from poll workers to administrators and candidates themselves. They have exacerbated concerns about violence and voter intimidation on Election Day, especially for women and minorities. And they are increasing anxieties about election misinformation—including false or misleading claims about voting locations and modalities, racially exploitative fearmongering on social media platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, and online propaganda that has contributed to the decline of trust in the integrity of electoral process.
The term ‘Election interference’ broadly describes any foreign government-affiliated actions that could impact an election (including referendums/plebiscites). Interference may take many forms—some of which are explicitly illegal under electoral law; others are legal, but morally unacceptable or in violation of the spirit of democracy and its principles; and still other activities that violate general laws such as assault, fraud or libel.
The most dangerous of these activities involve interference that aims to influence the outcome of an election by undermining faith in democracy as a system of government and the credibility of its elections, driving political polarization, or increasing risk of violence or instability in societies. This can include actions that directly affect a specific candidate or electoral outcome or actions that serve as’spoilers’ by splitting votes and increasing polarization in traditionally unified political groups.