The Regional Workshop on the Information Ecosystem and Elections in Africa, held on 23-24 July in Namibia, was a significant capacity-building event aimed at enhancing the integrity of electoral processes across the continent. Convened by the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, and the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC Countries (ECF-SADC), with support from the Open Society Foundations (OSF), the workshop brought together key stakeholders including Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from Southern Africa and Election Observer Missions (EOMs).
The workshop addressed critical aspects of the African Union’s normative frameworks, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), and the 2017 Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa. Emphasis was placed on the role of independent and impartial EMBs and the importance of transparency, human rights, and access to information in ensuring free and fair elections. Participants discussed the challenges and opportunities related to information rights and the implementation of AU norms, including the 2019 Declaration on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in the digital age. The workshop highlighted the need for capacity building among EMBs and EOMs to effectively manage and respond to misinformation, disinformation, and other information integrity issues. A key focus was also on enhancing the collaboration between EMBs and EOMs and developing practical strategies for managing digital and social media impacts on elections. Discussions also covered the proactive disclosure of information by EMBs and the role of media and civil society in promoting electoral transparency.
The workshop concluded with the development of action plans by participants, outlining steps to improve information access and freedom of expression in their respective roles. These plans are expected to strengthen electoral processes and promote a more informed and engaged electorate across Africa. Overall, the workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of electoral stakeholders, facilitate better collaboration, and develop best practices for managing the information ecosystem during elections, thus contributing to more transparent and credible electoral processes on the continent.
