CSOs unite to tackle voter misinformation in 2023 elections

• Published date: 15 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

No fewer than 24 civil society organizations (CSOs) have coalesced to tackle voter misinformation in the forthcoming general elections. The organizations, which are being coordinated by the Food Basket Foundation International (FBFI), have set the template to track and expose fake news being circulated by political parties, candidates and their supporters which could negatively impact the outcome of the elections.

Addressing reporters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital at the weekend, FBFI Executive Director, Dr. Funmi Akinyele, disclosed that 24 CSOs came together to implement the project with the support of United States Agency for International Development (USAID). She explained that the project was aimed at combating voter misinformation, disinformation and improve inclusive voter and civic education for the overall well-being of democracy in Nigeria.

Working together on the project themed 'Safeguarding Digital Civic Space for Electoral Integrity (SDSEI),' the CSOs formed clusters and will collaborate on various components of the project. The loose clusters of mostly youth-led CSOs and Business Membership Orgnisations from diverse areas within the social sector, will track and expose false contents that clog the digital space on the elections. The project will specifically address restrictions on internet freedom, improve online information access, protect voters from electoral misinformation and disinformation and improve inclusive online information access (civic and voter education for vulnerable people).

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