The Venice Commission takes the view that “external influence” – not stemming from the electoral actors – can also be relevant in this context.55 This applies to the influence of non-governmental organisations, of the media – social media in particular –, especially those sponsored and financed from abroad, and foreign State and non-State actors: External influence, including from abroad, can have the same (or even stronger) effects as internal influence (from State officials or political parties). Therefore, the interference with the electoral process by third parties acting from outside is not less detrimental and can have the same (or even more severe) consequences as a breach of election rules by candidates, political parties and State officials.