As Africa continues to navigate the complexities of democratic governance, the integrity of information during elections has emerged as a critical concern.
At the 2024 Media and Development Conference, organised by The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) in Abuja, Nigeria, experts and stakeholders gathered to address the pressing challenges of managing election-related information in the digital age.
Speaking on the topic, “Safeguarding information integrity during elections in Africa,” Dr Imurana Mohammed, Director of Programmes at the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE), emphasised the pivotal role of journalism ethics in safeguarding electoral integrity.
Describing 2024 as the year of democracy, with more than half of the global population participating in one kind of election or another, DrImurana said Ghana will end the year with a crucial election that will consolidate the country’s democracy.
However, the drive for consolidation is at risk due to the activities of bad actors who churn out misinformation daily that potentially erodes integrity in the election process.
The fight against election disinformation is a balancing act between protecting free speech rights and holding citizens accountable for their freedom of expression. Dr Imurana Mohammed said a robust legal framework exists in Ghana to protect information rights, including the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of information and the Right to Information Act. He also cited the Cyber Security Act, which aims to combat the threats posed by the digital landscape.
However, as Mr Mohammed points out, the effectiveness of these laws hinges on citizens’ behaviour in upholding these rights and the diligence and professionalism of the institutions responsible for enforcing them.
He said the rapid rise of social media has created an environment where misinformation can spread quickly and widely, complicating the task of monitoring and accountability.
“Things are so fluid that you could hardly track and punish,” Mr Mohammed lamented, highlighting the challenges that arise when false narratives gain traction in the digital space. This fluidity underscores the urgent need for journalists to act as the vanguards of truth and integrity in electoral processes.
Mr Mohammed advocates for a recommitment to professional ethics and standards within journalism. He asserts that journalists must prioritise accuracy and accountability, especially in an era where sensationalism can easily overshadow factual reporting.
“We should uphold seriously professional ethics and standards,” he urged, recognising that the media holds significant power in shaping public perception and influencing electoral outcomes.
Dr Imurana Mohammed noted that the stakes are high, and the consequences of misinformation can be dire. As the continent prepares for upcoming elections, the role of journalists becomes even more critical.
“They are not merely observers but active participants in the democratic process. By adhering to ethical standards and fact-checking rigorously, journalists can help to foster an informed electorate and protect the democratic ideals that underpin electoral systems,” he stated.
Other key speakers on the panel were Hamadou Tidiane Sy, Founder and Director, E-jicom, Samuel Folorunsho, Information Technology Manager, YIAGA Africa, Rachelle Faust, Programme Officer, Democracy and Technology, National Democratic Institute (NDI), Barrister Festus Okoye, former National Commissioner and Chairperson, Information and Voter Education Committee (INEC).
The session was moderated by Ajibola Amzat, Africa Editor, Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism.
The call to action is clear: to safeguard the integrity of information during elections, journalists must commit to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, ensuring that the truth prevails in the face of misinformation.
The panel discussion also highlighted the importance of legal frameworks and the role of long-term observation in improving electoral reporting.
Barrister Festus Okoye, former National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee INEC, shared that because those on social media break news so fast, the mainstream media now rush to break news without verifying things first.
Also, on his part, Samuel Folorunsho of Yiaga Africa said,
“We’re now slowly starting to conduct elections just for conducting elections sake.”
The Media and Development Conference 2024 presents a vital opportunity for stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on enhancing information integrity during elections. As participants gather in Abuja from Nov. 25 to 26, the insights shared by the seasoned panels will serve as a guiding light for journalists across Africa.
