The Launch of “How to Write About an African Election’ Guide timely

By: Azure Imoro Abdulai,

Moky Makura, Executive Director at Africa No Filter, said: “Across the world, elections are one of the most widely covered news stories, due to their far-reaching consequences. How to Write About an African Election was designed to confront and dismantle the pervasive stereotypes that persist about elections in Africa. This guide is not merely about transforming how stories are told; it’s about redefining the global narrative around Africa through a more nuanced portrayal of African democracy.”

African elections are often subjected to a misrepresented narrative that primarily highlights violence, corruption, and ethnic tensions. This portrayal overlooks the complexities of Africa’s democratic processes, perpetuating stereotypes of chaos and illegitimacy. These familiar tropes have been particularly prominent in the media coverage of elections in countries such as Senegal, South Africa, Gabon, Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Egypt, and South Sudan, contributing to a narrative of a “broken continent.” In the process, what often goes unnoticed is the resilience, vibrancy, and democratic progress made within these nations.

The recent launch of How to Write About an African Election: A Guide, developed by Africa No Filter, seeks to dismantle these stereotypical portrayals and shift the focus towards a more nuanced, balanced, and accurate representation of African elections. This resource provides journalists with practical tools and ethical guidelines for covering elections, equipping them with insights into African democracies beyond tales of rigging and power-hungry politicians.

The release of the guide comes at a critical time for Ghanaian journalists, with Ghana’s December 2024 elections just around the corner. As a participant in Africa No Filter’s launch webinar, I found the discussions enlightening and encouraging. The guide aims to foster more responsible and constructive election coverage that moves beyond the spectacle of violence and conflict, instead offering fresh perspectives on policy issues, successes, and the democratic aspirations driving the continent forward.

New Angles for Coverage

To achieve this shift, How to Write About an African Election emphasizes exploring underreported angles that celebrate Africa’s democratic resilience and progress. For instance, journalists can focus on issues like policy proposals, socioeconomic agendas, and the challenges various candidates aim to tackle. Rather than reinforcing the assumption of corruption and violence, this guide encourages journalists to delve into stories that illuminate the successes within African democracies—whether it’s youth participation, technological innovations in voting, or grassroots political mobilization.

Furthermore, case studies featured in the guide demonstrate the progress and the increasing professionalism of African election processes. By focusing on governance, policy debates, and electoral successes, journalists can create a narrative that speaks to the complexities and boundless possibilities present within African elections. This approach serves as a counter to the dominant discourse of a fractured continent, providing a lens that is both honest and empowering.

Fostering Balanced and Accurate Reporting

The guide equips journalists with ethical guidelines to avoid sensationalism and resist simplistic portrayals. This includes adhering to balanced reporting principles, verifying sources rigorously, and maintaining sensitivity toward the diversity of electoral experiences across the continent. Such a comprehensive approach enables journalists to report more accurately, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of African democracies for both local and international audiences.

To foster democratic development and enhance Africa’s global image, it is vital that the media, especially African journalists, offer an accurate and inclusive portrayal of elections. By focusing on policies, governance achievements, and democratic resilience, journalists can help reshape public perception of African elections. African journalists have a unique role and responsibility in constructing a narrative that celebrates the continent’s progress and potential, supporting a more realistic view of African democracies and encouraging democratic growth and stability.

As Ghana prepares for its crucial December 2024 election, How to Write About an African Election is more than just a guide—it is an essential tool for journalists dedicated to telling Africa’s democratic story in its fullest, most authentic form. This guide is a call to action for all journalists across the continent to broaden their scope, celebrate Africa’s democratic strides, and report on elections with the respect, dignity, and fairness that the continent’s citizens deserve.

– Political Communication Analyst and PR Executive at The Institute of Public Relations Ghana (IPR-Ghana)