THE Electoral Commission has officially launched an online reporting platform to report instances of alleged digital disinformation.
This comes as a result of the global rise in disinformation that is especially shared through digital platforms and its potential effect on the coming elections.
The platform is hosted on a website called The Real 411 and can be accessed from the Electoral Commission Website. The platform was developed in conjunction with Media Monitoring Africa, an NGO focused on promoting independent, accurate and impartial reporting on elections. The online platform will help to enable the rapid submission and consideration of any complaints received of alleged disinformation.
Complaints will be considered by a panel of relevant experts including those with expertise in media law and social and digital media. They will make recommendations for possible further action for the consideration of the Commission.
Not only will the website have an online reporting platform but the initiative will also include a communication and education strategy to help educate voters about the dangers of disinformation and how to spot ‘fake news’.
“Digital media has the potential to be an asset in the promotion of democracy, transparency and informed decision-making that should underpin elections as it provides platforms for rapid and wide sharing of information,” said vice-chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Janet Love.
“But it also comes with significant risks and we have seen disinformation posing a very real threat to free and fair elections elsewhere in the world. This platform is South Africa’s innovative step to help channel any complaints to people with the relevant capabilities so that the Electoral Commission can take the necessary action quickly.”
The digital platform is intended for complaints relating only to social media and is not intended to replace existing channels and processes for investigating alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct.
Such complaints can be submitted to the Electoral Court or the Directorate for Electoral Offences. The Secretary of the Court, Samkelo Mgxekwa, can be contacted on email SMgxekwa@sca.judiciary.org.za or phoned on (051) 412-7400 / 7494.
The Directorate for Electoral Offences can be reached via email at legalservices@elections.org.za
• Issued by the Electoral Commission.
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