All eyes are on Liberia today, 10th October 2023 as the general elections go on, Paradigm Initiative says they are concerned about the protection of human rights. in a statement made available to press, it read;
‘We note from the past that during the last general elections in 2019, access to social media and communication platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp, was restricted across the country. This shutdown ultimately denied the citizens information and freedom of expression.
We remind the government of the rights to freedom of expression and opinion, information and assembly that are protected by Articles 15 and 17 of the Constitution of Liberia. in Article 13(2) of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights. And urge the government to ensure fair and equitable access by contesting parties and candidates to state-controlled media during elections.”
“To the citizens, Paradigm Initiative remains committed to safeguarding, expanding, and developing internet freedom in Liberia. Towards this end, the organisation has developed digital tools which can be accessed by members of the public to report digital rights violations before, during, and after elections. The organization’s platform known as Ripoti enables individuals across the region to report digital rights violations before, during, and after elections. On the other hand, PIN’s Toolkit, known as Ayeta, provides digital security tips for rights actors.
We are cognisant of the importance of a declaration of free and fair elections in any democratic society. To this end, we call for the conduct of elections that is in line with best practices of an enabling environment for all to vote.
We call on the following:
-
The government must keep the internet on during elections and allow for access to information
-
The government must educate and encourage the participation of vulnerable groups on the use, if any, of technology in the voting process
-
The government must open up space for the media to perform their mandate
-
The government must proactively disclose critical information to inform the electorate adequately in relation to the electoral process
About Paradigm Initiative
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) connects under-served young Africans with digital opportunities and ensures the protection of their rights. We have worked in communities across Nigeria since 2007 and across Africa since 2017, building experience, community trust, and an organisational culture that positions us as a leading non-governmental organisation in ICT for Development and Digital Rights on the continent.
Across our regional offices in Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and beyond, we have impacted youth with improved livelihoods through our digital inclusion and digital rights programs. The organisation’s programs include Life Skills. ICT. Financial Readiness. Entrepreneurship (LIFE) Training Program, a digital readiness workshop for girls, and Life@School Club Program.
PIN has also built online platforms that educate and serve as safe spaces for reporting digital rights violations. These mediums, in the form of reports, short films, and educational online platforms, include Ayeta, Londa, and Ripoti.
The organisation is also the convener of the annual Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum, a platform where conversations on digital policy in Africa are shaped, policy directions debated, and partnerships forged for action.
