Rasťo Kužel

“Free and Fair Elections In The New Democracy Age”

“Free And Fair Elections In The New Democracy Age”

Rasťo Kužel, the Executive Director of MEMO 98, presented the 2023 Czech and Slovak Freedom lecture entitled “Free and Fair Elections In The New Democracy Age” at the German Marshall Fund of the United States in Washington, D.C., on November 17th. In his presentation, Mr. Kužel discussed the critical significance of ensuring free and fair elections for the sustenance of democracy, particularly reflecting on recent developments in Slovakia and Poland, and ahead of the US races in 2024.

Rasťo Kužel

Rasto Kuzel is a seasoned media and election expert with over 25 years of international experience. As Executive Director of MEMO 98 since 1998, he leads a proficient media institution providing monitoring services and technical assistance to civil society groups. Rasto has participated in 28 OSCE/ODIHR election observation missions and worked on over 150 projects with organizations like the UN and EU, focusing on countries like Moldova, Myanmar, and Ukraine. In recent years, Rasto has focused on combating propaganda and disinformation, conducting research on Russian narratives in the former Soviet Union and beyond. He has led trainings on media monitoring and fact-checking and participated in forums addressing information integrity, particularly in elections. Rasto's expertise also covers the impact of social media on elections and strategies for monitoring these trends. His contributions include publications examining how governments shape international narratives through media channels. In 2015, Rasto collaborated on a research project evaluating the impact of Russian main channels on Eastern Partnership Countries. Through his diverse initiatives, Rasto remains committed to promoting media integrity and transparent electoral processes worldwide.
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