The leaders of the world's advanced industrialized democracies seek to better prevent attacks on their democracies, they said in the final declaration after the Group of Seven (G7) summit on Friday.
"In a year during which millions worldwide choose their leaders and representatives, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguard democratic values and human rights," they said.
The G7 expressed "more concern than ever" about manipulation and interference in democratic institutions and elections and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting fundamental values and human rights, even in the face of the rapid development of new technologies.
A particularly large number of elections are being held around the world this year, the leaders noted, adding that a range of parties are trying with "attempted interference campaigns, malicious cyber activities, and transnational repression collectively undermine sovereignty and democratic values."
Among the G7, this year's election calendar includes EU members Germany, France and Italy, plus Britain and the US. However, elections were also held in India, the world's most populous democracy.
The G7 vowed to respond to "threats through human rights-respecting practices and by supporting freedom of expression and free, independent, and pluralistic media."
The closing document does not specify the addressees of the accusations, though Russia has been criticized for trying to influence election outcomes.
