Elections 2024: Guidelines for social media use during elections

The impact of social media in modern elections is being witnessed worldwide, with a significant milestone reached on the African continent to mitigate the risks and harness the benefits of these platforms.

The Association of African Election Authorities (AAEA), supported by the Electoral Commission of South Africa, launched the Principles and Guidelines for the Use of Digital and Social Media in Elections in Africa recently.

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The guidelines outline the dangers of social media abuse, encouraging responsible use and accountability from platform owners and users.

It calls for the development of a clear and comprehensive plan for responsible social media use during election campaigns, while emphasising the role of government and regulatory bodies in safeguarding election processes.

The event was attended by 16 African Election Management Bodies (EMB) representing countries holding elections in 2024 and 2025.

During the launch, the AAEA president, Reverend Carlos Simao Matsinhe – who is also chairperson of the Mozambique National Election Commission – said the guidelines are an invaluable resource for protecting the integrity of elections.

South Africa, through grant funding by the African Renaissance and International Co-operation Fund, played an important role in developing the guidelines.

South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile pledged the country’s support for the principles and guidelines.

“The reality is that the political environment during elections is tense and volatile, and we should use social media with responsibility to ensure the content we share is credible and accurate” he said.

“I urge political parties that participate in robust debate on social media to uphold ethical standards and refrain from going too far in being unjust, deceptive or hateful.”

The chairperson of the Electoral Commission of South Africa, Mosotho Moepya urged all stakeholders to play their role in ensuring the guidelines are widely socialised and implemented.

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