Côte d’Ivoire Prepares for Presidential Election Amidst Concerns of Online Disinformation

As Côte d’Ivoire gears up for its presidential election on October 25, concerns are growing about the spread of false information on social media. Media experts in Abidjan have expressed alarm over the circulation of rumors and misinformation, including AI-generated content, which could potentially disrupt the voting process.

The country’s electoral history has been marred by turmoil, with the 2010 presidential election resulting in violent clashes that left over 3,000 people dead. The upcoming election has already seen the disqualification of opposition candidate Tidjane Thiam and former president Laurent Gbagbo, with authorities banning protests over their exclusion. This has led to reports of violence by protesters, which are being amplified by rumors on social media.

International observers have also raised concerns about possible outside interference, with analysts warning that Côte d’Ivoire could be the target of foreign operations aiming to sway political narratives. The country’s economic weight in the region and its relations with France make it a significant player in West African politics.

To counter the spread of false information, the government has launched a national campaign, #OnlineAllResponsible, to raise awareness about online manipulation. Independent organizations, such as fact-checking platform IvoireCheck, are also working to combat false information. Social media can be part of the solution, with platforms being used to raise awareness and promote digital literacy.

However, experts warn that the proliferation of false narratives on social media, exacerbated by low digital literacy and foreign malign influence, poses a significant threat to the election’s integrity. The International Republican Institute has recommended more efforts to counter distorted information and promote digital literacy programs.

As Côte d’Ivoire prepares to vote, the authorities are under pressure to ensure a peaceful and fair election. The country’s history of electoral violence and the current tensions make it essential to address the issue of online disinformation and promote a culture of digital literacy among citizens. With the election just around the corner, it remains to be seen how effectively the authorities and independent organizations can counter the spread of false information and ensure a smooth voting process.