The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said fake and misleading news poses dangers to the conduct of free and fair elections in the country.
The INEC’s Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, stated this while addressing members of the INEC Press Corps, on preparations of the commission ahead of the Edo State election.
Olumekun explained that fake and misleading news disrupts the electoral process and undermines public confidence by inciting unnecessary tensions during election periods.
“In this digital age, we are acutely aware of the dangers posed by fake and misleading news, especially during an election period. Such information has the potential to disrupt the electoral process, undermine public confidence, and incite unnecessary tensions,” he said.
He disclosed that the Commission has taken proactive steps to tackle fake and misleading news by being transparent in all its dealings.
Olumekun added that INEC has also intensified constant updates of the public, especially as the Edo governorship election draws closer.
“The Commission has taken proactive steps to combat this menace, part of which is to be open and transparent in all its dealings. We have made it a culture to constantly update the public through you after every Commission’s meeting when decisions are taken. We will intensify the information flow as we move closer to the Edo governorship election,” he stated.
INEC called on the media to also collaborate with the commission in its fight against fake and misleading news. He appealed to the media and the general to make it a duty to verify every piece of information related to an election before sharing.
“Measures have been put in place to minimize circulation of false information. However, we cannot do this alone. We believe that you will remain a bulwark against fake and misleading information about the Commission and the electoral process.
“We urge the public and the media to play their part by verifying any information related to the election directly with the Commission before sharing. Our doors are open for any inquiries, and we have established multiple channels through which the public can reach us for accurate information. Let us all work together to ensure that only the truth prevails during this election period,” he added.
The Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee assured that the Edo governorship election would be conducted with highest integrity. He added that the commission has intensified engagements with stakeholders in the Edo election.
“The Commission has left no stone unturned in its efforts to guarantee that this election will be conducted with the highest standards of integrity. As you are aware, we have intensified our engagement with stakeholders at State and Local Government levels, while voter education is still ongoing at all levels,” Olumekun said.