As South Africa gears up for its seventh national election on Wednesday, 29 May, social media is abuzz with election-related discussions.
With every post carrying potential weight, it’s crucial to understand the boundaries of online expression to ensure electoral integrity.
What You Can Post
- Inked Thumb Photos: Proudly share a photo of your inked thumb with hashtags like #IVoted or #ElectionDay to show your civic participation.
- Encouragements and Turnout Commentary: Motivating others to vote and commenting on voter turnout at your polling station is acceptable.
- Factual Voting Information: Share information on how and where to vote, as provided by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
- Privacy Considerations: Be mindful not to violate others’ privacy when sharing photos.
What You Can’t Post
- Marked Ballot Papers: Posting images of your marked ballot paper is prohibited as it violates the secrecy of the vote.
- Election Day Campaigning: Social media campaigning on election day is forbidden.
- Legal Repercussions: Violations can lead to fines, imprisonment, or invalidation of your vote. The IEC monitors social media for compliance.
Misinformation and Fake News
- Disinformation Risks: The spread of false news can manipulate public opinion and disrupt election integrity.
- Deepfakes: Be wary of hyper-realistic videos created using AI that falsely depict politicians.
- Critical Evaluation: Scrutinize the credibility of posts before sharing and report fake news to social media platforms.
Understanding these guidelines ensures that your social media activity supports a fair and credible election process.
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