IV: Misinformation and the Electorate
As the spread of misinformation and disinformation gains sophistication with the use of advanced technology, its impact on electoral processes, has received heightened attention in recent years. In a world where the integrity of elections is vital to liberation and self-determination, this threat has the potential to erode the gains fought for by activists across the African continent.
Steve Biko’s philosophy of Black Consciousness resonates deeply when considering the potential effects of misinformation in post-colonial states. Biko emphasized the necessity for mental liberation as a prerequisite for political freedom from the weaponization of information, warning against the psychological bounds of neocolonialism. Today, misinformation can distort reality and manipulate the collective consciousness of the electorate, echoing the same tactics of control that Biko warned against.
In South Africa, complaints lodged on the site, Observer 411, reflect an up-tick in reports of hate speech, harassment and misinformation during the election season that invoke existing racial and/or social tensions. Reflecting on this, I am inspired by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who cautioned against the dangers of a single story and promoted the valuation of diverse and multiple perspectives. In the context of elections, acknowledging multiple perspectives is crucial for countering the simplistic and often harmful narratives that misinformation seeks to propagate.