NEBE Launches National Action Coalition to Ensure Integrity of Electoral Information

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) this week launched a National Action Coalition (NAC) Agreement to prevent the dissemination of distorted and false information during the elections. In her opening remarks, Melatwork Hailu, chairperson of the NEBE, stated that the agreement represents NEBE's efforts to ensure the integrity of the upcoming 7th general election by monitoring election-related disinformation and misinformation before it reaches the public.

Melatwork recalled that the NEBE is constitutionally established to conduct elections impartially, freely, and with integrity. She explained that the NAC Agreement will enhance the board's efforts to address the growing challenges of misinformation and disinformation that can impact the fairness and transparency of electoral processes. The NAC aims to monitor information pollution during the elections and respond in real-time to prevent misleading voters and stakeholders, whether directly or indirectly involved in the election, thus ensuring informed decision-making. Furthermore, it aims to safeguard the integrity and freedom of the electoral process.

At the NAC event organized in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Dr. Samuel Doe, UNDP Resident Representative, explained that, in addition to risking the integrity of the election, hate speech and misinformation could potentially lead to violence. He further stated that the integrity of Ethiopia's 7th round of general election requires the authenticity of the information delivered to citizens and eligible voters, in addition to conducting the polling.

The plans and potential results of the NAC were presented at the event, along with discussions on best practices from other countries.