Election 2024 is, but a few days away, and disinformation poses a serious threat to the integrity of our democratic process. Tactics like misleading videos, premature victory claims, and AI-generated fakes – which have been seen in elections worldwide – may appear before, during, and after the December 7 elections.
Recognizing these trends and understanding how to counter them is crucial for protecting our democracy.
Some common disinformation tactics to watch include videos taken out of context to suggest fraud, delayed vote counts misrepresented as evidence of tampering, and deepfake media designed to spread false narratives. Additionally, premature victory declarations and baseless claims of voter fraud may be used to undermine trust in the Electoral Commission (EC). Combat these by verifying information with credible sources, using tools like reverse image searches, and relying on trusted fact-checking organizations.
Ghanaians can also help by sharing verified information about the country’s electoral safeguards, like biometric verification, and discouraging the spread of rumours. Follow official updates from the Electoral Commission of Ghana and organizations like Media Foundation for West Africa(MFWA) or Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) and avoid amplifying unverified claims on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook.
Disinformation thrives on fear and misinformation, but we can stop it by staying informed and vigilant. Let’s work together to ensure that Ghana’s Election 2024 is guided by truth, fairness, and trust in our democratic institutions.
The author of this piece is Ernest Kepomey. He works with the Ignite Media Group.
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