Romania Braces for Tense Presidential Runoff Amidst Disinformation Deluge
Romania is poised for a crucial presidential runoff election on Sunday, with the nation gripped by a pervasive wave of disinformation that threatens to undermine the integrity of the vote. The contest pits the Eurosceptic ultra-nationalist George Simion, who secured a significant victory in the first round earlier this month, against the pro-EU centrist Nicușor Dan. The election, initially held in November, was annulled following revelations of a clandestine TikTok campaign orchestrated by a "state actor" in support of the then-frontrunner, Călin Georgescu, an outsider candidate known for his extreme views.
The annulment and subsequent barring of Georgescu from the rerun have ignited outrage among his supporters both within Romania and internationally. Experts warn that this second attempt at holding the election remains vulnerable to foreign-sponsored disinformation campaigns designed to erode public trust and sow discord. These campaigns exploit pre-existing anxieties and vulnerabilities in the Romanian political landscape, including low trust in institutions and the nation’s geopolitical position on the EU’s eastern flank, bordering Ukraine and Moldova.
Analysis by defense tech company Open Minds reveals a significant presence of pro-Kremlin networks on Telegram, a messaging app used for mobilizing hardline voters and disseminating disinformation. These networks act as conduits for Russian propaganda and state-sponsored content, amplifying misleading narratives about the election. While Telegram usage isn’t widespread in Romania, it serves as a launching pad for campaigns that spread to other platforms, mirroring the tactics used in the November election, where a Telegram group coordinated Georgescu’s TikTok campaign.
Disinformation themes prevalent online include unsubstantiated accusations of government crimes, baseless allegations of electoral fraud, and even false claims that the upcoming vote has been cancelled. These narratives prey on existing skepticism and distrust within the electorate, further eroding confidence in the democratic process. Dr. Madalina Botan, an associate professor at the National University of Political Science and Administration, emphasizes the vulnerability of Romania due to its proximity to Ukraine and Moldova, making it a prime target for disinformation campaigns seeking to destabilize the region.
The controversy surrounding TikTok’s role in the November election continues to cast a shadow over the current vote. Despite TikTok’s claims of implementing internal changes to address previous issues, concerns persist about the platform’s vulnerability to manipulation. Euroverify, a fact-checking organization, has identified instances of electoral disinformation circulating on TikTok, including false allegations of massive electoral fraud and unfounded claims of impending election cancellation. These claims, originating from sanctioned pro-Kremlin publications, appear designed to suppress voter turnout.
The European Commission is currently investigating TikTok’s involvement in the previous election. While TikTok has reported internal changes, including improved detection and labeling of political accounts and the addition of Romanian language experts, a recent study by Global Witness raises further concerns. The study revealed that TikTok’s algorithm disproportionately promotes far-right content to new users, suggesting potential bias and raising questions about the platform’s ability to prevent manipulation. This raises concerns about the integrity of the upcoming vote and the potential for further interference. The French cyber agency has also issued warnings about the vulnerability of European nations to similar state-backed disinformation campaigns on platforms like TikTok. As Romania heads to the polls, the struggle against disinformation remains a paramount challenge, threatening the very foundation of the democratic process. The pervasive nature of these campaigns and the exploitation of social media platforms underscore the urgent need for effective countermeasures and increased media literacy to safeguard the integrity of elections.