The results of Canada’s last two federal elections were not compromised despite evidence of foreign interference, according to a preliminary report released by an independent commission. The revelation comes at a critical time for Canadian democracy, highlighting the resilience of its electoral system.

What were the main conclusions of the report on the Canadian elections?

The Commission on Foreign Interference, created by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, found concrete evidence of Chinese interference attempts in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. However, these attempts did not change the results of the votes. The report highlights Canada’s robust electoral system, which is able to record and count votes efficiently, thus preserving the integrity of the electoral process.

How did foreign interference affect the electoral process?

According to Marie-Josée Hogue, the commissioner who led the investigation, even if the election results were not compromised, the acts of interference tainted the electoral process. These acts had an impact on the pre-election context and environment, creating additional challenges to maintaining transparency and trust in the democratic process.

The role of the commission and international reactions

• The commission was created under pressure from opposition MPs concerned about reports of China’s possible role.

• Beijing has repeatedly denied any involvement in Canadian elections despite allegations.

What will be the next step for the commission?

The Commission on Foreign Interference plans to release a final report by the end of this year. That document may provide more details on the nature of the interference and possible recommendations to further strengthen the integrity of future elections in Canada.

Summary of events in other regions

As Canada grapples with its domestic challenges, other countries are also facing significant political problems. For example, in Togo, the ruling party won 108 of 113 seats in Parliament in the last legislative election. This result demonstrates a very different political dynamic, marked by near-total domination by the ruling party.

The developments in Canada and Togo are crucial reminders of the ongoing vigilance needed to protect the integrity of democratic systems around the world. They underscore the importance of strong electoral systems and the need for ongoing investigations into interference that could undermine democracy.