REGULATION OF FINANCING OF ONLINE ELECTION CAMPAIGNS: INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE AND ELECTIONS IN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

This study attempts to identify the extent to which current legislation on electoral campaigning is effective in addressing digital forms of campaigning. Ensuring that all forms of campaigning by political parties and candidates adheres to principles of transparency and equality is instrumental in preserving the integrity of elections. The data used for this research includes the analysis of legislation from the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. Research also uses data on campaign advertising regulation introduced in the run-up to the 2023 parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan. Evidence suggests that legislation has been slow to respond to ever evolving forms of digital campaigning. In the context of Kazakhstan, while certain improvements have been introduced in legislation, it mostly relates to extending existing norms aimed at traditional campaign tools (TV and print media). As such, it is insufficient in addressing some of the bigger concerns related to financial accountability during elections. Given the latest developments in technology as it is used in political context, more measures are required for proper regulation.