Electoral Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) refers to coordinated actions by foreign actors that aim to influence or disrupt electoral processes through manipulation of information spaces.
Instead of directly altering votes or systems, these actors seek to shape perceptions, sow confusion, and weaken trust in the democratic process.
FIMI threatens electoral integrity and public trust, making resilience essential for healthy democracies.
Electoral periods are particularly vulnerable: when societies are already divided and information systems overloaded, foreign actors exploit these openings to spread manipulative narratives — financed or arranged through proxies, media outlets or networks.
FIMI vs Disinformation
Elections are about more than votes. They rely on trust, accurate information, and a shared understanding of what is true. Electoral FIMI or Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference threatens this trust. It often uses disinformation but goes further. It is a coordinated effort by foreign actors to manipulate public perception, polarize voters, and weaken confidence in democratic institutions.
How they work
FIMI
Disinformation
