Summary for eastern Europe

Abstract

The chapter sums up the main characteristics and features of campaigning in Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine. Campaigning in these countries is difficult—at least for opposition parties; the electoral contest cannot be perceived as entirely free. Incumbent parties very often misuse administrative resources and influence (through the connections of oligarchs) media reporting on other candidates. However, even in such an environment, we can see clear signs of adopting new tools and techniques (i.e. use of online media of any kind). Nevertheless, most of the parties still rely on traditional and low-key techniques.