Resource Title
Promoting information integrity in elections: Global reflections from election stakeholders
Summary
For democracy to thrive, it is critical that we have effective capabilities to counter information pollution in elections, yet in the context of elections this is a relatively new field. This resource provides valuable insights from representatives of academia, civil society, media, private sector and governments in addressing the complex problem of information integrity in elections. It offer reflections on existing and emerging challenges, analysis of current programmatic approaches, programming considerations and recommendations for a range of stakeholders working on electoral assistance.
Resource Details
Description
Credible elections require space for exchange about competing perspectives and the often-robust contest for votes. Stakeholders also need to inform, educate and persuade the public to exercise their right to vote – or be voted for – without manipulation, intimidation, and violence. The spread of information pollution has become a critical challenge in elections, undermining trust in democratic processes, electoral management bodies, politicians, and the media.
Misinformation and disinformation disrupt the functioning of electoral processes in many ways, often accompanied by threats and online harassment of election officials, candidates, voters, the journalists who cover elections and the electoral observers and fact-checkers who monitor them.
The report starts by highlighting the role of The Tech for Democracy initiative that has been working with governments, multilateral organizations, civil society organizations and the tech industry to make technology work for, not against, democracy and human rights, while upholding freedom of information and respecting individual privacy.
It also sheds light on the role of the Action Coalition in producing actionable recommendations to optimise the potential of technologies, while minimising harms; to strengthen the ability to assert democratic rights; and to enhance transparency and build trust in electoral processes.
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