Elections are the bedrock of democracy. Yet threats to electoral integrity extend far beyond the ballot box, from political financing to state capture of democratic institutions and media to disinformation. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shows what happens when authoritarianism and democratic decline is allowed to grow unchecked. This trend away from democracy, and towards hybrid-regimes that openly challenge the rule of law, makes the need to defend the institutions and processes that safeguard democracy more important than ever.

Organised by Unhack Democracy and Andrássy University in partnership with Romanian NGO Funky Citizens, this two-day event* will bring together a New Generation of activists, civil society, election watchdog and pro-democracy groups with academics, journalists, politicians and funders focusing on defending electoral integrity in the Black Sea Region, Belarus, Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

By re-framing the conversation around the role of democracy, identifying cross-border trends and sharing innovative best practice solutions, this event will provide a platform to safeguard electoral integrity and strengthen democracy through civic engagement across the region.

The conference is invitation only, therefore, we kindly ask you to register HERE by June 19th.

For the detailed conference programme visit: https://www.unhackdemocracy.eu/en/conference-2022

*Day 1 is a non-public event, attendance on day 2 is for everyone who has interest (please register if You have interest to attend the event).