Introduction
Ghana’s 7th December 2024 elections were significant in determining the political direction of the country. However, the elections were also characterised by a substantial spread of misinformation, which impacted the electoral dynamics. On the day of Ghana’s 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, misinformation became one of the biggest threats to the integrity of the voting process. With millions of voters casting their ballots, the spread of false information about polling stations, the voting process, and election outcomes created confusion, mistrust, and in some cases, fear among the electorate. This article explores how misinformation was disseminated on Election Day, the specific impact it had on voter behaviour and confidence, as well as the actions taken to address these falsehoods.
Misinformation on Election Day
- Fake Claims of Polling Station Delays and Fraud
On Election Day, a widespread rumour emerged claiming that certain polling stations in key districts had been delayed or manipulated by election officials. According to posts that circulated on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, voters were allegedly being turned away from polling stations without valid reasons, and the voter register had been tampered with. A popular WhatsApp message claimed that certain districts in the Greater Accra and Western Regions had been subjected to “deliberate delays,” where ballot papers were allegedly swapped to favour one candidate. The message, which included pictures of long queues, suggested that the process was rigged. This information caused panic among voters in these regions, possibly resulting in reduced voter turnout at some polling stations. These claims were not limited to social media platforms only. A TV station, based in Kumasi alleged that voting would be held on different days. This was obviously done in a bid to influence attendance at voting centres to favour a particular political party.
- False Information About Voting Hours and Procedures
Another significant piece of misinformation on Election Day involved claims about changes to voting hours and the procedures for casting votes. False reports claimed that voting times had been shortened or extended in certain constituencies to favour specific candidates. In some instances, rumours suggested that voters in opposition strongholds would face “special” scrutiny when casting their ballots. A viral Facebook post indicated that voting times in northern Ghana had been extended by several hours to accommodate “delayed” voters, but only in constituencies that were deemed to be pro-incumbent. This misinformation created uncertainty and confusion, particularly in rural constituencies, and led to disagreements among voters and electoral officials regarding the official closing time.
- Misinformation on “Vote Rigging” and “Election Tampering”
There were persistent claims that the results were already pre-determined and that the election process was being manipulated in favour of one political party. A major conspiracy theory claimed that the results had been “pre-programmed” into the voting machines, and no matter what the outcome, the incumbent party would win. A particularly damaging claim went viral, alleging that a group of international observers was colluding with the government to secure an unfair election outcome. This narrative suggested that the Electoral Commission, which was working to ensure a smooth process, had been compromised. The spread of this misinformation caused many voters to question whether their vote would count at all, especially in the face of rumours about ballot tampering and result manipulation.
The Impacts of Misinformation on Voter Behavior
The misinformation on Election Day had far-reaching consequences for voter behaviour, trust, and participation in the election process. Several distinct patterns of influence were evident:
- Decreased Voter Turnout
In some regions, particularly those where misinformation about polling station issues and ballot tampering spread most rapidly, voter turnout was lower than expected. In constituencies where misinformation about polling delays circulated, particularly in urban areas like Accra and Kumasi, a significant number of voters stayed home, believing they could not vote or that their vote would not count.
- Polarisation and Distrust in the Electoral Process
The false claims about foreigners voting, vote rigging, and manipulated results deepened the already existing political polarisation. This caused different voter groups to feel disconnected from the process, further dividing the electorate into factions. Supporters of different candidates began questioning the legitimacy of the entire electoral process.
Social media messages from political parties accusing the Electoral Commission (EC) of complicity in election fraud contributed to a sharp decline in trust, particularly among the youth and first-time voters. This resulted in protests in some districts, with calls for the annulment of the vote, even though there was no evidence of any irregularities.
- Confusion and Anxiety Among Voters
The misinformation created widespread anxiety among voters, especially in rural areas. Voters who were unsure of the legitimacy of their polling stations or voting procedures found themselves in a state of confusion, leading to delays and errors in the voting process.
Misinformation about the voter register and the handling of ballots in the Volta Region caused some voters to arrive at polling stations only to find their names missing from the voter roll. Although the Electoral Commission was able to clarify the situation by directing voters to their actual polling stations, the initial panic caused misinformation which led to unnecessary disruptions and delays.
Efforts to Combat Misinformation During Elections
Several actors, including the Electoral Commission, civil society organisations, and the media, took urgent action on Election Day to counter misinformation and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
- The Electoral Commission’s Efforts to Clarify Misinformation
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana worked tirelessly on Election Day to address false claims and clarify voting procedures. Through regular social media updates, the EC provided timely information about polling station locations, voting hours, and the integrity of the election process. When misinformation about polling station delays spread, the EC responded on its official X (Twitter) and Facebook accounts, urging voters to ignore such claims and to proceed to their designated polling stations. The EC also worked with local radio stations to broadcast clarifications and encourage voters to report any issues directly to election observers.
- Role of Fact-Checking and Civil Society Organisations
Fact-checking organisations and civil society groups played an essential role in countering misinformation by quickly debunking false claims. Independent fact-checkers, including the Ghana Fact-Check Initiative, provided real-time updates on social media, verifying viral claims and offering voters a reliable source of information. As soon as the “pre-programmed results” rumour began circulating, the Ghana Fact-Check Initiative debunked it with clear evidence and expert analysis, countering the claims with facts. Their work helped reassure voters that the election was free and fair, despite the widespread misinformation.
- Media and Public Awareness Campaigns
Local media stations worked in collaboration with the EC and civil society to keep the public informed and educate voters about their rights. Radio programs, TV broadcasts, and digital platforms were used to directly address and counter misinformation throughout Election Day. Several radio stations in urban and rural areas held live sessions with electoral experts, who answered questions from the public about the voting process and addressed concerns about misinformation. These broadcasts were crucial in calming voters’ anxieties and ensuring smooth voting procedures. The spread of fake collated results was also rampant on Election Day. In a post by Ghana’s TV3 official X account (formerly Twitter), the TV network debunked a fake image which was photo-shopped onto the TV network’s template. The image below shows the fake news being displayed at a time when the results had not even been collated.
Recommendations for Future Elections
- Enhance Real-Time Monitoring and Response to Misinformation
A more robust infrastructure for real-time monitoring of misinformation is needed. In future elections, the Electoral Commission, in collaboration with media and civil society, should enhance dedicated teams to monitor social media and address misinformation as it emerges.
- Strengthen Voter Education Campaigns
To counter misinformation, more comprehensive voter education campaigns should be conducted well in advance of Election Day. This campaign should focus on educating voters about common misinformation tactics, the importance of verifying information, and how to identify and report false claims.
- Increase Transparency and Communication from Electoral Bodies
Transparent and consistent communication from the Electoral Commission, particularly during high-stakes moments such as Election Day, can mitigate the spread of misinformation. Clear, timely updates on voting procedures, polling station logistics, and the official handling of ballots will help prevent confusion.
Conclusion
Misinformation on Election Day during Ghana’s 2024 elections posed significant challenges, influencing voter behaviour, diminishing trust in electoral institutions, and threatening the integrity of the voting process. However, through swift action by the Electoral Commission, fact-checking organisations, and the media, much of the misinformation was debunked, restoring some level of confidence among voters. To safeguard future elections, it is crucial to strengthen misinformation monitoring, enhance voter education, and improve communication with the public, ensuring that the democratic process remains transparent, fair, and trustworthy.
References
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