Impact of Disinformation on Politics and Institutions

(The Post News)- Disinformation is reshaping African democracies, eroding trust in institutions and distorting political processes. Its spread through digital platforms has become one of the most pressing threats to democracy worldwide.

South Africa’s experience highlights both the risks and resilience of democratic systems. Comparisons with authoritarian regimes show how disinformation can be weaponised to entrench power.

The Erosion of Trust in Institutions

Disinformation—false or deliberately misleading information—has a profound impact on how citizens perceive democratic institutions. Studies show that disinformation erodes confidence in governments, parliaments, and the media, creating scepticism about their legitimacy.

When citizens lose trust in these institutions, they become more vulnerable. Conspiracy theories and populist narratives exploit fear and division.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, waves of disinformation about vaccines and government responses undermined public health measures. This also fueled distrust in state authorities.

Similarly, disinformation campaigns targeting electoral commissions or courts can delegitimise their role as neutral arbiters. These campaigns weaken the foundations of democratic governance.

The European Parliament has warned that disinformation undermines democracy. It also violates human rights by manipulating public opinion. Furthermore, it restricts access to accurate information.

This erosion of trust creates fertile ground for authoritarian tendencies. Citizens may begin to doubt the value of democratic processes altogether.

In South Africa, disinformation has become a growing concern, particularly during elections and periods of political instability.

The South African Human Rights Commission has issued a warning. False narratives undermine public trust in institutions. They sow division and weaken democratic accountability.

Distorting Democratic Processes

Disinformation also directly affects the functioning of democratic processes, particularly elections. False narratives spread online can influence voter behaviour, polarise societies, and suppress participation.

Coordinated campaigns often target marginalised groups, discouraging them from voting or spreading lies about electoral procedures.

In many countries, disinformation has been used to amplify divisions along racial, ethnic, or ideological lines. Social media platforms, with their algorithms designed to maximise engagement, often accelerate the spread of misleading content. This creates echo chambers where citizens are exposed only to information that reinforces their biases, further polarising political discourse.

In contrast, authoritarian governments across Africa often use disinformation deliberately to consolidate power. Research shows that documented disinformation campaigns in Africa quadrupled between 2022 and 2024, with many linked to state actors.

In countries such as Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Sudan, disinformation is deployed to delegitimise opposition, suppress dissent, and justify crackdowns.

Unlike South Africa, where disinformation is largely external or politically factional, authoritarian regimes integrate it into state propaganda.

False narratives about opposition leaders, manipulated election results, and fabricated threats are used to maintain control. Citizens in these contexts face restricted access to independent media, making it harder to challenge official narratives.

The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights emphasises freedom of expression. It underscores the right to vote. However, enforcement varies widely. In dictatorships, disinformation laws are often misused to silence critics rather than protect citizens from falsehoods.

Disinformation weakens democracy by eroding trust in institutions and distorting electoral processes. Addressing this challenge is essential to safeguard democratic resilience in the digital age.

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Nomsa Diallo

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