MACRA calls on social media influencers to uphold electoral integrity ahead of September 16 Polls
The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has urged social media influencers to comply with electoral principles by avoiding the dissemination of misleading information.
The authority warned that any violations of electoral laws could attract penalties.
MACRA’s Head of International Affairs and Corporate Communication, Limbani Nsapato, made the remarks on Thursday during a social media influencers workshop at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
The workshop was held under the theme The Role of Social Media Influencers During Elections.
Nsapato emphasised that influencers must be aware of sanctions for breaching electoral laws ahead of the September 16 General Election.
He explained that media content creators must operate in line with principles set by MACRA and other governing bodies, including the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), to ensure credible and fair elections.
Nsapato added that all content disseminated should uphold integrity and confidentiality.
He cited the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Act of 2016 and the Data Protection Act of 2024, which regulate online communication and prohibit misleading content that could lead to defamation.
Dr Jolly Ntaba, a Journalism and Media Studies lecturer at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), said influencers play a key role in shaping public opinion and mobilising voter behaviour.
He warned that misleading information during the electoral period can jeopardise the electoral process.
Ntaba further stated that influencers should discourage hate speech, promote respectful online engagement, and ensure informed, peaceful, and fair elections.
MACRA’s Director of Broadcasting, Zadziko Mankhambo, said including influencers in electoral awareness campaigns is strategic, given their large followings and influence across platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp.
Comedian Mr. Jokes, one of the participants, welcomed the initiative, saying that he did not realise it was also their responsibility to influence followers towards peaceful elections.
He added that the training had opened his eyes to this important role.
