Combating Fake News: ELECAM, Political Parties On Alert

Faced with the lurking dangers of false information, especially during an electoral period, actors in the electoral process are imploring strategies to combat the phenomenon and ensure democracy and the rule of law triumph. The creation and spread of propaganda during elections, especially one with high stakes like the Presidential election cannot be undermined. This explains why main stakeholders in the electoral process such as Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), political parties and civil society organisations constantly organise training workshops to educate people on identifying and combating fake. The elections management body has to this effect put in place a national consultation platform between Elections Cameroon and other stakeholders of the electoral process. ELECAM has on several occasions invited representatives of political parties, journalists, traditional rulers and civil society organisations to brainstorm on rendering the electoral process credible and inclusive, amongst them, combating fake news. The institution also uses the social media as well as traditional media to spread information on the electoral process. The Facebook page and Twitter account of ELECAM is constantly updated and contains national and regional information on elections. Members of the Electoral Board also carry out field visits, meet with the population and other stakeholders in the electoral process, not only to encourage voter registration, but also to ensure the right information on the electoral process is passed. Political parties on their part organise press conferences and have their social media platforms updated. The Communication Officers/Spokespersons of the parties also issue a press statement in the face of fake news and false information. Civil society organisations are equally very active in encouraging the spread of the right information during an ele...