CIPESA has released the 11th edition of its State of Internet Freedom in Africa report. The 2024 edition focuses on the relationship between technology and elections during what is being dubbed Africa’s “Year of Democracy,” where at least 20 African nations were scheduled to hold elections.
The report highlights how technology is increasingly influencing elections across the continent. However, much of this technological deployment is fraught with risks, as authoritarian regimes selectively use it to consolidate their power rather than promote fair democratic processes.
With rising internet and mobile phone penetration, there was hope that technological tools like biometric voter registration and verification systems would improve electoral transparency and efficiency. Yet, many African countries have struggled to fully harness these benefits, as documented in the report.
The study, which involved interviews with experts in digital rights, electoral democracy, and technology, combined with legal and policy analysis, provides a comprehensive view of the intersection between technology and elections in Africa.
Some of the Key Findings in the report include:
Democratic Governance in Decline
According to the report, Africa is experiencing a deterioration in democratic governance, with increased authoritarianism, military coups, hereditary presidencies, and weakened institutions. Corruption, social divisions, and economic inequalities continue to undermine electoral integrity, leading to manipulated elections and eroding public trust in democracy.
Rise of Digital Authoritarianism
Governments are increasingly employing digital tools to suppress dissent. Techniques such as internet shutdowns, censorship, surveillance, and regressive laws are being used to curtail civic participation and stifle freedom of expression, creating environments where technology is used to undermine democracy rather than strengthen it.
Widening Digital Divide
Africa’s digital divide is exacerbating political exclusion. High internet costs, inadequate infrastructure, and low digital literacy disproportionately affect rural and marginalized communities, limiting their political participation and access to electoral information.
AI-Enabled Disinformation
The report also highlights the growing threat of disinformation, particularly through the use of AI-generated content, such as deepfakes. Countries like Rwanda and South Africa have seen the manipulation of public perception through synthetic media. Social media platforms have been slow to respond, and their approaches have been inconsistent across countries, further complicating efforts to combat disinformation.
Progress in Election Technology
Despite challenges, some countries, such as Ghana, Namibia, and South Africa, have made strides in adopting technology for voter registration, results tallying, and voter education. These efforts hold the potential to improve transparency and accountability in electoral processes.
While technology offers opportunities to enhance electoral transparency, engage citizens, and promote credible elections, its misuse by authoritarian regimes, combined with the digital divide and rising disinformation, threatens the integrity of the democratic process.
Governments, civil society, and election management bodies must collaborate to protect digital rights, promote digital inclusion, and develop ethical frameworks for the use of technology in elections.
Source: CIPESA