The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced new measures to combat the menace of fake news and misinformation in the upcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states. The elections, scheduled for November 11, are expected to be keenly contested by various political parties and candidates.
However, INEC has expressed concern over the rising cases of political actors peddling fake news, misinformation and disinformation, which it says can have a negative impact on the management of elections in the country if not curtailed. According a National Commissioner and Member, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Kunle Ajayi, who spoke at a two-day capacity building for INEC Press Corps on ethical reporting, safety practices and critical issues relating to the forthcoming polls, the Commission has adopted some strategies to tackle the problem of fake news.
One of these strategies is the electronic transmission of results directly from polling units to its server, which Ajayi said will enhance the credibility and transparency of the electoral process. He said that the Commission has tested and deployed the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which uses both biometric and facial recognition features to verify voters’ identities and prevent multiple voting.
He also said that the Commission has set up a Situation Room, which will monitor and respond to any issues or incidents that may arise during the elections. Ajayi added that the Commission had partnered with various stakeholders, such as civil society organizations, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, media organizations and social media platforms, to sensitize and educate the public on the dangers of fake news and misinformation. He urged the media to be objective and unbiased in their reportage, while avoiding fake news and inflammatory stories. He said that the media has a vital role to play in ensuring that the elections are peaceful, free, fair and credible. Ajayi reiterated INEC’s commitment to conducting elections that will meet the expectations of Nigerians and the international commuHow INEC plans to tackle fake news during off cycle elections
By Daniel Otera
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced new measures to combat the menace of fake news and misinformation in the upcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states. The elections, scheduled for November 11, are expected to be keenly contested by various political parties and candidates.
However, INEC has expressed concern over the rising cases of political actors peddling fake news, misinformation and disinformation, which it says can have a negative impact on the management of elections in the country if not curtailed. According a National Commissioner and Member, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Kunle Ajayi, who spoke at a two-day capacity building for INEC Press Corps on ethical reporting, safety practices and critical issues relating to the forthcoming polls, the Commission has adopted some strategies to tackle the problem of fake news.
One of these strategies is the electronic transmission of results directly from polling units to its server, which Ajayi said will enhance the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.
He said that the Commission has tested and deployed the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which uses both biometric and facial recognition features to verify voters’ identities and prevent multiple voting.
He also said that the Commission has set up a Situation Room, which will monitor and respond to any issues or incidents that may arise during the elections.
Ajayi added that the Commission had partnered with various stakeholders, such as civil society organizations, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, media organizations and social media platforms, to sensitize and educate the public on the dangers of fake news and misinformation.
He urged the media to be objective and unbiased in their reportage, while avoiding fake news and inflammatory stories. He said that the media has a vital role to play in ensuring that the elections are peaceful, free, fair and credible.
Ajayi reiterated INEC’s commitment to conducting elections that will meet the expectations of Nigerians and the international community.nity.
