This is a major concern in Africa, where WhatsApp is the mostpopular messaging app in 40 countries.
This is due to its low cost and the ability to easily share messages with both individuals and groups.
But is this really how WhatApp is used?
And if it is, to what extent does this compromise the quality of elections?
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Theirreportcomes to conclusions that are both troubling, as well as encouraging.
The research reveals that the platform was used to mislead voters in increasingly sophisticated ways.
But it also shows that WhatsApp strengthened democracy in other areas.
Misinformation and disinformation
The term fake newshas become widely used over the past few years.
However, it is problematic because it lumps together very different kinds of information and behavior.
The 2019 Nigerian elections saw both disinformation and misinformation.
There were some high profile examples of disinformation.
Other fabricated communications were less outlandish but no less significant.
WhatsApp takes over
The political influence of WhatsApp has expanded rapidly in line with its growing penetration.
In Nigeria, election candidates were already using the platform topush messages in 2015.
Politically, WhatsApp was used in an increasingly sophisticated way at the presidential level.
Buharis effort was better funded and particularly impressive.
It established a web connection of local and regional representatives connected to a central command in Abuja.
WhatsApp had changed this situation.
Opposition leaders now have a cheap way of fighting back.
It has also been used to coordinate anti-corruption campaigns and election observation, strengthening democracy.
Evolution or revolution?
Its also important not to overstate the significance of WhatsApp.
In many cases, candidates relied on existing networks and social influencers to get the message out.
In other words, WhatsApp can amplify and complement a candidates ground campaign.
But it cannot replace it.
This would merely exaggerate the vast advantages of incumbency that ruling parties already enjoy.
This article is republished fromThe ConversationbyNic Cheeseman, Professor of Democracy,University of Birminghamunder a Creative Commons license.
