PRESS STATEMENT - FOR HUMAN RIGHTS WELCOMES THE LAUNCH OF PRINCIPLES AND

PRESS STATEMENT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS WELCOMES THE LAUNCH OF PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA IN ELECTIONS IN AFRICA BY THE ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN ELECTORAL AUTHORITIES 13 March 2024 The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, welcomes the launch of the "Principles and Guidelines for the Use of Digital and Social Media in Elections in Africa" de. [...] The fundamental principles integral to this framework encompasses the right to equality and non- discrimination; free, fair and credible elections; freedom of opinion and expression; access to information; freedom of association and assembly; right to privacy; protection of the rights of women in the context of elections; protection of ethnic, cultural and linguistic rights; right to remedy. [...] The key guidelines encapsulate the obligations of the States, EMBs, regulatory bodies, political parties and candidates, African traditional institutions and religious bodies, civil society organisations, journalists and the news media, digital intermediaries, and the digital and social media. [...] Page 2 of 3 Regarding accountability mechanisms, the Guidelines and Principles underscore the imperative that "all relevant laws should be enforced without discrimination." Furthermore, they emphasise the collaboration of relevant stakeholders to guarantee the comprehensive protection and realisation of all rights affected by digital and social media throughout the electoral cycle. [...] The Centre for Human Rights asserts that the incorporation of these principles and guidelines is paramount for cultivating confidence in electoral processes, safeguarding the bedrock of democratic values, and ensuring the unassailable right of citizens to make well-informed choices during electoral proceedings.