Information Threat to Polls
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 (February 4, 2026) — The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia has warned that misinformation, disinformation and malinformation pose a growing threat to voters’ ability to make informed choices at the polls.
Media trainer Brighton Phiri said on the second day of the Election Reporting for Journalists training themed “Voter-Centred Election Reporting, AI and Accountability”, held at Melsim Lodge in Lusaka, noting that election periods are particularly vulnerable to information disorders due to intense political competition, heightened emotions and increased online activity.
He urged journalists to tighten verification practices and uphold ethical standards to protect citizens from manipulation as Zambia moves closer to the August 13, 2026 presidential and general elections.
Phiri explained that misinformation—false information shared without malicious intent—often stems from misunderstandings, outdated facts or inadequate research, adding that journalists and members of the public may unintentionally amplify inaccuracies by circulating information that is no longer current.
He distinguished this from disinformation, which he described as deliberately fabricated or manipulated content designed to mislead voters, influence political opinion or secure unfair advantage during campaigns.
He observed that such content frequently involves impersonation of credible institutions, doctored images or videos, and coordinated online campaigns aimed at distorting reality.
Phiri further cautioned journalists about malinformation, which he described as the strategic use of genuine information to cause harm, particularly during elections.
"This, he said, includes leaking private communications, publishing personal details of candidates or officials, and deliberately removing context to damage reputations without serving the public interest," he said.
He warned that unchecked information disorders can have serious consequences, including eroding voter trust, distorting democratic choice and destabilizing the economy.
“False information about markets, public policy or state institutions can weaken investor confidence and fuel uncertainty,” Phiri said.
Phiri urged journalists covering the 2026 elections to remain alert to common warning signs of false content, such as emotionally charged language, sensational claims lacking credible evidence, missing bylines or sources, and pressure to publish information urgently without proper verification.
While acknowledging the role of digital verification tools, he emphasized that human judgment remains central to credible election reporting, encouraging journalists to cultivate reliable source networks, cross-check information with multiple independent sources and apply strong interviewing techniques grounded in Zambia’s political and cultural context.
He further called on media practitioners to adhere to international journalism standards by prioritizing accuracy over speed, ensuring transparency in sourcing and verification, minimizing harm, and correcting errors promptly and prominently.
Phiri said ethical, voter-focused journalism remains critical to countering information threats and safeguarding the integrity of the August 2026 elections, enabling citizens to make informed choices at the ballot box.
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