According to a recent VOA report, elections in Africa have increasingly been marked by a worrying trend where governments impose internet restrictions during critical moments of the democratic process. These restrictions range from partial social media blockades to total internet shutdowns. These actions raise concerns about transparency, freedom of expression, and the integrity of democratic institutions in affected countries.
the report sheds light on the increasing use of digital tools as instruments of control. More African governments are leveraging internet restrictions to maintain power during elections, often under the pretext of national security or public order. The restrictions typically coincides with key moments of the electoral process campaign rallies, voting days, or the announcement of results making them a tool to control information and limit the public’s ability to communicate or organize protests.
For instance, countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia have made headlines for imposing internet shutdowns during elections. In Uganda’s 2021 elections, the government ordered a total internet blackout, citing security concerns. Meanwhile, in Tanzania and Ethiopia, social media platforms were targeted with restrictions during electoral periods, making it difficult for opposition candidates and citizens to communicate freely or access independent news sources.
Internet restrictions during elections undermine core democratic principles. In a world where digital platforms are integral to political campaigns and public discourse, shutting them down stifles citizens’ ability to participate meaningfully in the democratic process. Opposition parties, journalists, and civil society organizations, who rely on the internet to mobilize support, monitor elections, and report on irregularities, are disproportionately affected.
The report also highlights how these internet shutdowns often occur alongside other forms of repression, such as harassment of opposition leaders, media crackdowns, and the spread of misinformation by state actors. This combination of tactics creates an uneven playing field, often making elections less free and fair.
Moreover, internet shutdowns often exacerbate tensions in volatile political environments. Citizens, unable to access timely and accurate information, become more susceptible to misinformation and rumors, potentially leading to unrest. In Ethiopia’s 2021 elections, the government blocked social media access amid heightened ethnic and political tensions, which many argue contributed to deepening divisions within the country.
The impact of internet restrictions during elections is not just political it also has far-reaching economic consequences. Many African economies are increasingly dependent on digital technologies for commerce, communication, and innovation. A full or partial internet shutdown can cost millions of dollars in lost revenue, disrupt businesses, and halt vital services that rely on the internet for day-to-day operations.
In Uganda, the 2021 internet shutdown cost the economy an estimated $9 million each day, severely affecting businesses that rely on online platforms. For ordinary citizens, losing access to the internet means being cut off from vital services such as mobile banking, e-commerce, and health services. This disruption disproportionately affects small businesses and individuals in vulnerable communities who depend on the digital economy for their livelihoods.
The increasing frequency of internet restrictions during elections in Africa has drawn widespread condemnation from international bodies, civil society organizations, and human rights groups. Many are calling for greater transparency and accountability, urging governments to respect digital rights as an extension of fundamental human rights.
The VOA report highlights that shutting down the internet during elections violates international human rights frameworks, including the right to freedom of expression and access to information. Organizations like Access Now and the African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms have called on African governments to commit to open internet access and to recognize that internet shutdowns are not only detrimental to democracy but also violate citizens’ rights.
At the same time, there are calls for international tech companies and telecommunications providers to be more vocal in opposing government-mandated internet shutdowns. In many cases, governments have pressured service providers into implementing these shutdowns, putting companies in a difficult position. Advocacy groups are pushing for a unified stance from the private sector to refuse to comply with such orders.
The future of democratic governance in Africa is increasingly intertwined with the digital landscape. As African countries continue to expand their digital infrastructure, there must be a corresponding commitment to safeguarding internet freedoms. The VOA report emphasizes that internet access is now a fundamental part of how people engage in the political process, and any interference with that access poses a direct threat to democracy.
International and regional organizations have a critical role to play in ensuring that digital rights are upheld during elections. There have been calls for African Union member states to adopt legal frameworks that protect internet access and prevent governments from arbitrarily disrupting communications. At the national level, civil society organizations must continue to hold governments accountable and advocate for stronger protections of digital rights.
Efforts to protect the internet during elections must also involve grassroots movements and the wider African public. Citizens should be informed of their rights regarding internet access and the importance of a free and open digital environment during elections. Greater public awareness and engagement will put pressure on governments to maintain open communication channels, even in times of political tension.