The forthcoming 2024 elections in several countries have drawn attention to the issue of election integrity. With the increasing presence of artificial intelligence and the proliferation of disinformation and hate speech, it is imperative to acknowledge the unprecedented threat posed by illicit foreign funding of political and electoral processes. This concern will be spotlighted at the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) in Vilnius, Lithuania, where advocates from around the world will convene to combat corruption.
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) has been diligently working for more than two decades to address vulnerabilities in political finance, enhance transparency, and reinforce accountability. The alarming surge of strategic corruption has underscored the necessity for heightened efforts to address this issue on a global scale. Illicit financial flows are being utilized to undermine democratic elections and manipulate political forces to favour foreign states, posing a significant threat to the integrity of the democratic process.
The entry point for foreign actors to clandestinely fund politics and election campaigns often lies within legal boundaries. Over 70 countries do not prohibit foreign donations to electoral contestants, permitting foreign support for associated political groups to proliferate without disclosure. This enables fringe, radical, and extremist groups to maximise their performance in elections and influence political processes, thereby sowing distrust in democratic institutions and processes.
In order to combat these challenges and eradicate illicit foreign funding in politics, a comprehensive and coordinated approach is imperative. This encompasses engaging with legislators, political parties, oversight bodies, law enforcement, the judiciary, civil society, and the media to ensure transparency, integrity, and accountability in political finance.
Furthermore, addressing the threat of illicit foreign finance necessitates a transnational effort, with law enforcement and oversight bodies sharing information, data, and intelligence to expedite investigations and identify methods and actors that facilitate covert monetary influence in elections and politics. Establishing dedicated channels for sharing sensitive information and fostering trust is crucial in countering foreign interference.
At the upcoming International Anti-Corruption Conference, IFES will underscore the significance of transparent, accountable, and inclusive political finance as a pivotal element in combating illicit foreign finance. It is crucial to align efforts with broader integrity initiatives to close the gaps that foreign malign actors exploit to destabilize democracy and hinder global democratic progress.
Looking ahead, IFES will continue to leverage its expertise in countering foreign malign interference in democratic elections and processes. This will involve deliberations to formulate a new resolution on political finance at the 2025 Conference of State Parties on the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, with the objective of safeguarding elections and democracy from foreign threats.
In conclusion, addressing the threat of illicit foreign financing in democratic elections is an ongoing challenge that necessitates a holistic and transnational approach. By collaborating to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in political finance, we can counteract corrupt forces and protect the democratic process.