Navigating Online Disinformation in the Dominican Republic
With the approach of the Dominican Republic's presidential elections on May 19, 2024, the atmosphere across the nation is charged with tension, as the battleground of politics is marred by the spread of digital deception, disinformation and harmful narratives. At TrustBallot, our foundation is built upon the principles of electoral integrity and clarity, and we strive to underscore the significance of having an informed electorate that is both knowledgeable and vigilant against harmful tactics capable of shaping public sentiment and influencing the outcome of the elections. With the election’s three primary contenders - incumbent President Luis Abinader, Leonel Fernández and Abel Martínez - each holding loyal online following, these efforts are ever more important in determining the future direction of the Dominican Republic.
Navigating Online Disinformation
The election cycle is awash with disinformation, a calculated approach to deceive and sway public opinion. TrustBallot’s team identified several strategies aimed at undermining the candidates and the electoral process. Highlighted below are three troubling trends:
The Bot Amplification Phenomenon
Our analysis has found a significant number of President Abinader's online followers to be of "low quality," implying a bot-driven presence. These bots are set to enhance positive narratives about Abinader while casting his rivals in a negative light. Such artificial enhancement not only exaggerates Abinader’s popularity but also brings into question the legitimacy of online political conversations, affecting the genuineness of political engagement on digital platforms.
Distortion of Poll Results
An even more deceptive tactic is the misrepresentation or fabrication of poll results. Certain groups stand accused of manipulating polls to inflate the popularity of specific candidates, thereby diminishing opposition candidates at the expense of public understanding. Further, this strategy aims to discourage voter turnout with the notion that voting is futile, thus endangering the democratic process by potentially tipping the scales towards those who gain from diminished voter engagement.
Concerted Twitter Attacks Opposition
Focusing on undermining Leonel Fernández, there’s been a noticeable increase in Twitter accounts dedicated to spreading harmful narratives, baseless allegations, and disinformation about Fernández and his campaign. This approach not only intends to tarnish his image but also to fracture the voter base, exploiting the expansive reach of social media to magnify their effect.
The impact of misinformation on the electoral process is profound. As Election Day draws near, it’s critical for the democratic integrity of the Dominican Republic that its citizens are not just cognisant of these manipulative tactics but also armed to counter them. TrustBallot is dedicated to championing electoral fairness and will persist in observing and addressing any threats to our democratic values. Together, we can safeguard the electorate’s voice, ensuring it remains unblemished by disinformation and manipulation. Let’s unite in our quest for an election that is both fair and transparent.