UNDP Launches e-Monitor Plus Platform to Safeguard Electoral Information Integrity in The Gambia
IEC Vice Chair © Askanwi Media
By Michaella Faith Wright
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and civil society organisations have underscored the importance of information integrity in protecting public trust and promoting peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in The Gambia ahead of the 5th December 2026 Presidential elections.
Taking place from the 13th to the 15th of October 2026, numerous stakeholders issued the call during the launch of the e-Monitor Plus platform at the African Princess Beach Hotel in Kololi. The initiative is designed to monitor and analyse online information, including misinformation, disinformation and hate speech that could undermine the electoral process.
UNDP Resident Representative, Ms Mandisa Mashologu, said democracy was shaped not only by activities at polling stations but also by the information citizens receive and use to make decisions.
“Technology alone cannot protect democracy,” she said, emphasising the need for responsible use of the platform while respecting human rights, privacy and freedom of expression.
The platform, supported under UNDP’s Inclusive Support for Participation, Integrity and Resilient Elections (INSPIRE) initiative, combines artificial intelligence with human verification and contextual analysis to identify emerging online risks and support evidence-based responses.
Meanwhile, Sait Matty Jaw, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Research Policy and Development (CRPD), called for impartiality and accuracy in monitoring online content.
“We must not label information as misinformation without first establishing whether it is false or misleading,” he said, stressing that monitoring must not become censorship or restrict legitimate criticism.
IEC Vice Chairperson, Mr Cherno Jallow warned that false narratives targeting electoral institutions could fuel suspicion, protests and violence.
“Elections are a process. They do not begin and end on polling day,” he said, calling for transparency, inclusivity and collaboration among electoral stakeholders.
The speakers also highlighted the vulnerability of women, young people and marginalised groups to online abuse and harmful narratives.
They urged national ownership and sustainable partnerships to ensure the platform strengthens information integrity beyond the upcoming elections, safeguarding democratic participation, peace and public confidence.
