General Assembly of the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections: Review of the 2025 Electoral Year and Priorities for 2026
On 14 November, the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (CALC) convened its General Assembly to assess the Coalition’s activities in 2025 and to establish the strategic priorities for the year ahead.
In 2025, CALC functioned as a united, coherent, and well-coordinated structure, capable of responding rapidly to electoral developments and providing professional expertise in key moments of the electoral process. These results were made possible thanks to the efforts of the Secretariat and the substantial contributions of the member organizations.
Throughout 2025, the Coalition demonstrated strong internal coordination and a high level of organizational cohesion. The eight meetings of the CALC Council enabled joint strategic decision-making and ensured alignment among all members regarding the priorities of the electoral year. Through the activity-mapping process, the Coalition managed to identify and harmonize the action directions of its members, while also strengthening internal operating mechanisms and preparing the ground for expanding the Coalition by integrating new civic actors. These processes were complemented by resource-mobilization efforts that supported the activities of members throughout the electoral cycle.
In parallel, CALC maintained constant and structured dialogue with state institutions. With over 40 technical interactions and official consultations, the Coalition became a reliable partner for the Central Electoral Commission, Parliament, the Audiovisual Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Intelligence and Security Service, and other relevant authorities. Regular communication with the CEC and engagement in thematic discussions on campaign transparency, information security, and the prevention of electoral corruption reinforced CALC’s role as a neutral and professional technical actor within the electoral ecosystem.
Another significant result of 2025 was the Coalition’s contribution to improving the electoral legal framework. CALC adopted firm positions in support of strengthening the integrity of electoral processes—particularly concerning the fight against electoral corruption and efforts to prevent attempts to restrict voting rights in the diaspora. Through consistent participation in parliamentary consultations and public hearings, recommendations from CALC members were incorporated into the development and refinement of important legislative processes.
In the public sphere, the Coalition served as a credible, coherent, and evidence-based voice. Over the year, CALC issued five common positions on essential topics of the electoral campaign, ranging from the protection of observers to safeguarding diaspora electoral rights. Factual analyses developed within the Coalition were shared with public authorities, the media, international partners, and donors, while CALC’s expertise was reflected in approximately 50 appearances in national and international press, as well as in reports of election observation missions.
Externally, the Coalition strengthened its visibility and relationships with the international community. The two electoral briefings organized by CALC gathered over 55 representatives of 21 donor institutions, providing a structured platform for presenting electoral developments and identifying support needs. Extensive consultations with international partners—including the Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Council of Europe, and ODIHR—helped align donor support with CALC’s priorities and expand efforts to strengthen civic space in the Republic of Moldova.
The Coalition’s work in 2025 was made possible by the consistent involvement of its member organizations, which carried out a wide range of initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the electoral process. Each organization contributed with specialized expertise and tailored actions within its area of competence, thus strengthening the overall impact of the Coalition.
Throughout the electoral year, member organizations systematically monitored the conduct of the electoral process, including the activity of electoral authorities, public assemblies, and campaign dynamics. Election observation was conducted both long-term and short-term, covering virtually the entire territory of the Republic of Moldova as well as polling stations abroad. Through these efforts, the Coalition was able to identify and document irregularities, assess process integrity, and provide the public with objective and verified information.
Equally important were the activities dedicated to civic information and education. CALC members organized electoral debates at local, regional, and national levels, offering neutral spaces for dialogue among candidates, experts, and citizens. Young people, women, and diaspora communities benefited from dedicated initiatives aimed at amplifying their voices and encouraging participation. Communication campaigns—ranging from videos and infographics to thematic podcasts, analyses, and electoral platforms—helped clarify the electoral process and increased public understanding of the stakes of the elections.
In response to the intensification of information manipulation, several member organizations monitored the media and social networks, identifying disinformation and coordinated influence campaigns. Through technical collaboration with the relevant institutions, these findings contributed to improved protection of the information space and enhanced societal resilience.
Additionally, organizations produced in-depth thematic analyses on political financing, candidate integrity, gender equality, electoral corruption, and information security, providing consistent support to decision-makers and the international community. Collectively, these activities strengthened electoral observation, protected citizens’ electoral rights, and contributed to a healthier information environment during the campaign.
The year 2025 confirmed the essential role of the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections in the electoral ecosystem of the Republic of Moldova. Through strong internal coordination, continuous interaction with state institutions, and active involvement in legislative processes, CALC has positioned itself as a credible, professional, and indispensable actor in promoting electoral integrity. The expertise of its members, the Coalition’s ability to articulate common positions, and its growing visibility in the public space further consolidated CALC’s status as a reference point in the electoral field.
At the same time, the extensive activities of member organizations significantly contributed to monitoring electoral processes, countering disinformation, increasing civic participation, and ensuring accurate public information. Together, these efforts had a direct impact on the quality of the electoral process and demonstrated the value of coherent collaboration between civil society and state institutions.
As we enter 2026, the Coalition remains committed to strengthening democracy, protecting civic space, and promoting a transparent, participatory, and inclusive electoral process. Through ongoing dialogue with institutions, strengthened international partnerships, and expanded monitoring and civic education activities, CALC will continue to be a key pillar in safeguarding the electoral rights of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova.