PROTECTION OF ELECTORAL RIGHTS IN ELECTORAL POLLS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Abstract

The objective of this scientific work is to provide an exhaustive analysis of the mechanisms for protecting human rights in the electoral process, with a particular focus on the recent experience of the Republic of Moldova. The study explores the evolution of the regulatory framework, especially through the adoption of the new Electoral Code no. 325/2022 and analyzes its compliance with international and European standards. We intend to provide an overview of contemporary challenges, such as the use of artificial intelligence, the protection of personal data and combating hate speech in electoral campaigns. At the same time, the study aims to assess the degree of maturity of the national electoral system, rigorously analyzing its dynamics. Through this approach, the research aims to identify solutions capable of eliminating the gap between the theoretical legal norm and the empirical reality reported by observation missions. The research hypothesis is based on the premise that, although the legal framework has been significantly modernized, the real effectiveness of human rights protection is strictly conditioned by the institutional capacity of the state. For democratic norms to work in practice, institutions must be able to directly and effectively counter the phenomena of electoral corruption, abuse of administrative resources and new emerging cyber threats. The research results highlight the need to strengthen electoral integrity to ensure an authentic representation of the will of the people, the central pillar of the rule of law. The analysis includes rigorous references to the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Moldova, the Equality Council, as well as to the monitoring reports of profile associations.