The electoral management bodies (EMBs) play a paramount role in ensuring the public has access to accurate and timely information, as a precursor to electoral and information integrity. However, while the legitimacy of the elections EMBs oversee hinges on how well-informed citizens are, EMBs themselves must function in an increasingly complex information environment—one characterized by the spread of disinformation, deepfakes, AI-generated propaganda and other manipulative tactics.

This policy paper explores how EMBs can navigate such a dual challenge and what measures can help them strengthen their role in an era dominated by digital and social media. It examines the pressures and risks that EMBs face, considers strategies and best practices, and offers actionable recommendations to enhance both information and electoral integrity. The paper targets ECOWAS member states’ EMBs, civil society organizations, communication experts and development partners.

Details

Publication date
12 November 2025
Number of pages
52
Co-Publisher(s)
ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC)
ISBN
978-91-8137-034-8 (PDF)
978-91-8137-035-5 (Print)

Contents

Acknowledgements

Abbreviations

Executive summary

Introduction

1. Political and socio-economic context

2. Data on misinformation/disinformation in West Africa

3. Legal and normative frameworks on misinformation and disinformation in West Africa

4. Current practices on addressing misinformation and disinformation

5. Advantages and disadvantages of the approaches: Cost, impact and scalability

6. Lessons learned for EMBs in West Africa

7. Conclusions

8. Policy recommendations

References

Annex A: Concept note

Annex B: Programme

About ECONEC

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Information Integrity and Electoral Integrity: What Role for EMBs in the Era of Social Media?

The 2024 ECONEC Symposium and 10th General Assembly
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