How can Finland safeguard electoral integrity and public trust in an increasingly challenging information environment?
This live streamed seminar explores this important question ahead of Finland’s parliamentary elections. The programme examines foreign interference, digital campaigning, disinformation and political polarization, and their implications for electoral integrity and democratic participation. Through two panel discussions, participants will explore the risks posed by these developments and discuss practical steps that policymakers and public institutions can take to strengthen electoral integrity, democratic participation and public trust.
Programme
Welcome and opening remarks
Tuula Haatainen, Chairperson, PACE
Harri Mikkola, Acting Deputy Director, FIIA
Panel I: Foreign interference and the information environment
Daryna Sterina, Team Lead of the Strategic Partnerships and Electoral Integrity, the European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE)
Moderator: Margarita Zavadskaya, Senior Research Ffellow, FIIA
Panel 2: Safeguarding electoral integrity and public trust
Åsa von Schoultz, Professor, the University of Helsinki; the RESLIDE consortium leader
Heini Huotarinen, Ministerial Adviser, the Ministry of Justice
Tuija Brax, Director, Rule of Law Centre, University of Helsinki
Moderator: Sanna Salo, Senior Research Fellow, FIIA
Concluding remarks
Pia Kauma, Member of Parliament for the National Coalition Party