Disinformation a threat to electoral processes in Southern Africa
By Delicious Mathuthu
Disinformation is becoming a threat to electoral processes in Southern Africa, manipulating public opinions and compromising genuine information on digital democratic spaces, Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Regional Director has said.
Making a presentation at the Africa Electoral Jurisprudence Network (AEJN) virtual meeting, MISA Regional Director Dr. Tabani Moyo said disinformation on electoral processes in the southern African region poses a threat to genuine electoral processes as the public is manipulated into making misinformed decisions.
In the face of this threat, Dr. Moyo said, there is need for Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) to be proactive in disseminating authentic and timely information.
“…Information as a public good. With this in mind, we push forward the main argument that electoral management bodies (EMBs), have a critical responsibility as custodians of elections.
“If EMBs proactively disclose information, that assists in mitigating the challenges of speculation.
“Once the EMB is credibly viewed as contributing to a democratic process, there is a better chance of developing stakeholder guidelines that will bind the players during election processes.
“It has been noted that we cannot have genuine elections without having a free flow of information.
“When disinformation is targeted at electoral processes, it can undermine the very foundations of democratic governance,” Dr. Moyo said.
The advent of social media platforms has increased access to a wider audience at alarming speeds, Dr. Moyo said, hence the need for placing adequate measures to curb disinformation, including holding to account those caught in the wrong.
“Political parties and electoral candidates have adopted new information dissemination strategies, using social media platforms to amass thousands of followers.
“Thus, Information moves from local to national and international news much faster than ever.
“Electoral justice systems need to address the challenges posed by disinformation effectively.This includes developing mechanisms to identify and remove disinformation from online platforms, promoting media literacy education, and holding those who spread disinformation accountable,” he said.
In his presentation, Dr. Moyo also said disinformation has the potential to undermine electoral justice by manipulating public opinion,
misinforming the public about voter registration and procedures, amplifying polarisation, blurring differences between truth and fiction, among many other effects.
He said electoral justice systems should adapt to the dynamic nature of disinformation using different strategies.
“This includes developing new tools and technologies to identify and remove disinformation, as well as working with various stakeholders such as social media platforms, civil society, governments and online intermediaries to address the spread of disinformation.
“Some of the steps that electoral justice systems can take to address the challenges posed by disinformation:
Develop clear and concise guidelines for what constitutes disinformation.
“Invest in fact-checking and verification efforts fact-checking and content moderation by media houses to curb the spread of false information.
“Partner with social media platforms to remove disinformation from their platforms.
“Social media platforms should raise awareness among users about how to report disinformation.
“Educate the public about disinformation and how to identify it.
“Hold those who spread disinformation accountable for their actions.
“Proactive information disclosure by the relevant election management bodies,” Dr. Moyo said.
He added that tackling online disinformation requires governments to address insecurity issues and lack of trust in government officials and/or departments, yet still, use the same online platforms to clarify facts thereby promoting transparency and accountability.
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