Ottawa, Canada’s federal commission of inquiry into foreign interference has launched an investigation into the alleged meddling by India in the country’s last two general elections. This probe follows a report by a Canada-based news channel.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the commission, in a recent statement released in Ottawa, announced that it has formally requested the federal government to produce documentation related to these allegations. The commission’s terms of reference, published last year, instruct it to assess possible interference by both state and non-state actors in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections.
The commission’s statement highlights its focus on investigating any potential influence India might have had on the outcomes of these elections, as initially reported by CTV News. This inquiry comes amid growing concerns about foreign involvement in national electoral processes.
The commission’s initial hearings are set to begin on Monday. They will concentrate on the challenges and limitations of disclosing classified national security information and intelligence to the public. This phase of the inquiry is crucial for understanding the nature and extent of the alleged interference.
CTV News reports that the commission plans to release an interim report on May 3, with a final report anticipated by the end of the year. This investigation represents a significant effort by the Canadian government to protect the integrity of its electoral system from external influences.