By Duduzile Lupahla and Annita Mukahiwa
In the digital age, social media has become a double-edged sword, offering unprecedented opportunities for communication and information sharing at any given time while serving as a fertile ground for the spread of disinformation at the same time.
In Zimbabwe, a country with a complex political history and a highly polarized electorate, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for shaping public opinion and influencing election outcomes. However, its role as a catalyst for digital disinformation has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the democratic process.
Over the past decade, Zimbabwe has witnessed a significant increase in internet penetration and social media usage. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube and TikTok have become integral to the daily lives of millions of Zimbabweans. According to recent statistics, over 60% of the population now has access to the internet, with a substantial portion of users relying on social media for news and information.
This digital revolution has transformed the way political information is disseminated and consumed. Political parties, activists, and ordinary citizens alike have embraced social media as a means of engaging with the electorate, mobilizing support, and holding leaders accountable. However, the same platforms that empower citizens have also been weaponized to spread false information, manipulate public opinion, and undermine trust in democratic institutions.
During election cycles, social media platforms are flooded with fabricated stories, doctored images, and misleading videos designed to sway voters in favor of or against particular candidates or parties. These campaigns are often orchestrated by politically motivated actors, including state-sponsored groups, opposition parties, and foreign entities seeking to influence Zimbabwe’s political trajectory. One of the most notorious examples of digital disinformation in Zimbabwe occurred during the 2018 general elections.
In the lead-up to the vote, social media was overflowing with false claims about the health of then-presidential candidate Emmerson Mnangagwa, as well as rumors of voter fraud and electoral violence. These narratives, amplified by bots and fake accounts, created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, ultimately impacting voter behavior. More recently, ahead of the 2023 elections, disinformation campaigns have targeted key issues such as the economy, corruption, and national security. For instance, the alleged involvement of political leaders in illicit activities have been widely circulated on social media. These narratives are often designed to delegitimize political opponents and reinforce the dominance of running parties.
The spread of digital disinformation poses a significant threat to the integrity of Zimbabwe’s electoral process. By distorting public discourse and eroding trust in credible sources of information, disinformation undermines the ability of citizens to make informed decisions at the ballot box. This, in turn, weakens the legitimacy of election outcomes and worsens political instability and often incites violence and social unrest.
In Zimbabwe, where political tensions are already high, disinformation campaigns have been linked to incidents of intimidation, harassment, and even physical violence against perceived opponents. This not only undermines the democratic process but also threatens the safety and well-being of citizens.
Efforts to combat disinformation have been hampered by a lack of regulatory frameworks, limited digital literacy, and the politicisation of information. To effectively tackle this issue, the government must prioritise the development of policies and legislation that promote transparency and accountability in the digital space. This includes regulating the activities of social media platforms, holding perpetrators of disinformation accountable, and safeguarding freedom of expression. Civil society organisations and media outlets also have a critical role to play in countering disinformation. Additionally, technology companies must take responsibility for curbing the spread of false information on their platforms by investing in advanced detection algorithms and collaborating with local stakeholders.
As Zimbabwe prepares for future elections, the role of social media in shaping political outcomes cannot be ignored. While the platform offers immense potential for fostering democratic engagement, its misuse as a tool for disinformation poses a grave threat to the country’s democratic aspirations. To safeguard the integrity of the electoral process, it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to create a digital environment that prioritizes truth, transparency, and accountability. Only then can Zimbabwe harness the power of social media to strengthen, rather than undermine, its democracy.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” In the context of Zimbabwe’s digital disinformation crisis, this sentiment rings truer than ever. By equipping citizens with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital landscape, Zimbabwe can build a more informed and resilient society capable of withstanding the challenges of the information age.
Duduzile Lupahla and Annita Mukahiwa are students at Africa University. Follow them on Twitter and Instagram. (@Anniiraaahhhh/ @annita_chichi)