Commission Council member Abdul Hakim Al-Shaab, in his capacity as Head of the Executive Office of the Arab Association for Electoral Boards, participated via the Zoom application in a workshop organized by the Secretariat of Election Affairs of the League of Arab States, in cooperation with the United Nations, the United Nations Electoral Assistance Division, and the Regional Electoral support Project for Countries. Arabic affiliated with the United nations Development Program, on “Social Media in Elections”.
Al-Shaab gave a presentation on social media during the election period through the experience of the Arab Organization for Electoral Administrations. He also stressed that the organization is keen to activate its basic role in providing the necessary mechanisms for exchanging experiences and knowlege between Arab electoral administrations, and strengthening the institutionalism and professionalism of electoral practices with the aim of improving electoral performance. In the Arab world in general.”
He said: “From this standpoint,in March 2020,in the Mauritanian capital,Nouakchott,the organization held a regional conference on the role of the media in enhancing confidence in the electoral process in Arab countries,and based on the recommendations resulting from this conference,the united Nations Development Program (UNDP) supported the Arab Organization for Administrations.” Election campaign by appointing experts in the field of digital media to prepare a guide for dealing with social media sites during the electoral period in cooperation with a working group of electoral administrations members of the organization in Jordan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Palestine, which helped in Revising and submitting various proposals during the work period in cooperation with the General Secretariat and the Executive Office of the organization.”
He added: “Based on the proposal of the working group, two practical guides emerged from this guide on: verifying fake news during electoral periods and monitoring social media sites during electoral periods, a guide to verifying fake news during electoral periods, and a guide to monitoring social media sites during election periods.”
The workshop began today, Tuesday, December 10, and will continue until Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
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How dose social media impact voter behavior during elections according to Abdul Hakim Al-Shaab?
Interview with Abdul Hakim Al-Shaab: The Role of Social Media in Elections
Date: December 11,2024
By: Time.news Editor
Q: Welcome, Mr. Al-Shaab. Thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us about your recent participation in the workshop on “Social Media in Elections” and its importance?
A: Thank you for having me. My involvement in this workshop, organized by the Secretariat of Election Affairs of the League of Arab States in conjunction with the United Nations, aims to address the pivotal role that social media plays during electoral periods. In today’s digital age, understanding how social media influences elections is vital to the integrity and effectiveness of the electoral process across the Arab world.
Q: You mentioned that the Arab Institution for electoral Administrations has been active in this domain. What initiatives have you implemented to improve electoral performance?
A: Indeed, our organization focuses on enhancing the professionalism and transparency of electoral practices. For instance, in March 2020, we held a regional conference in Nouakchott, Mauritania, which concentrated on the role of the media in building trust in the electoral process.The outcomes of this conference led to a partnership with the UN Development Program,which appointed experts to create guides tailored for managing social media during elections. This was a significant step towards creating standardized practices among member states.
Q: Can you elaborate on the guides developed from your discussions? What topics do they cover?
A: Certainly! Based on the collaborative input from a working group comprising electoral administrations from various countries such as Jordan,Sudan,Tunisia,and Palestine,we developed two key guides. The first focuses on verifying fake news during electoral periods, which is crucial in combating misinformation.The second guide is centered around monitoring social media to ensure electoral integrity. Both guides are essential tools designed to empower electoral bodies to navigate the challenges posed by digital platforms.
Q: Why do you believe these guides are notably crucial for the Arab region?
A: The Arab region has witnessed diverse political dynamics and rapid technological advancements in recent years. Social media can either bolster democratic engagement or spread misinformation. Thus, establishing these guides is imperative for fostering transparency and trust in electoral processes. They provide actionable strategies for electoral officials to effectively utilize social media while safeguarding against potential misuse.
Q: How do you see the future of social media’s role in elections evolving?
A: I believe that social media will continue to be a double-edged sword in elections.As platforms evolve, so will the tactics used by both electoral bodies and those seeking to undermine electoral integrity. Education and preparedness will be key. Continuous training and collaboration among Arab electoral administrations will ensure that they are equipped to meet these challenges head-on.
Q: what practical advice would you offer to electoral bodies and voters regarding social media in the context of upcoming elections?
A: For electoral bodies, I advise maintaining an adaptive approach to digital media, continually updating strategies based on the latest trends and technologies. For voters, being aware of the sources of information they consume is crucial. Skepticism towards unverified content can empower citizens to make informed decisions and promote a healthy electoral environment.
Q: Thank you, Mr. Al-Shaab, for sharing your insights today. We wish you and the Arab Organization for electoral Administrations success in your future endeavors.
A: Thank you! It was a pleasure to discuss these vital issues with you.