Electoral system / Campaignes

The election campaign for the European Parliament in 2019 was the first election campaign in which we have had a somewhat better insight into a political advertisement on social media, especially on Facebook. In accordance to the promise of increasing transparency in advertising which Facebook has given to the European Union, the campaign has provided the public several tools for better understanding of targeted political ads. However, these tools are new, some of the policies are practised inconsistently and it is not quite clear what are the consequences for those who don't follow the advertising rules.

Public Administration Minister Arsen Bauk announced in Parliament on Tuesday that before the second reading of the bill on the financing of political activity, election campaigning and referendums he would ease the ban for civil society organisations to finance referendum activities.

Activists of a few nongovernmental organisations on Monday raised their voice against prohibiting civil society associations and foundations from financing referendum activities and promotion, as envisaged by a bill on financing political activities, election campaigns and referenda, which is to receive first reading in the national parliament.

Prohibiting civil society organizations from financing referendum campaigns is almost tantamount to prohibiting parties from financing their own election campaigns, considering the fact that referenda are one of the main forms of citizens’ activism and direct decision-making. At the same, time, political parties are enabled to “buy” parliamentary representatives.

Prohibiting civil society organizations from financing referendum campaigns is almost tantamount to prohibiting parties from financing their own election campaigns, considering the fact that referenda are one of the main forms of citizens’ activism and direct decision-making. At the same, time, political parties are enabled to “buy” parliamentary representatives.