Thanks to the number of elections worldwide, 2024 was unofficially declared the year of democracy. The year was dominated by elections across the region, with at least four countries — Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, and South Africa — heading to the polls.
There was greater focus on Mozambique, where the local elections in 2024 were marred by attacks on journalists, and South Africa, where pollsters predicted a decline in support for the governing party, the African National Congress (ANC). In Botswana and Namibia, the respective ruling parties had been in power since independence, and it was expected that they would maintain their positions.
As feared, Mozambique elections were marred by violence and a sharp increase in attacks against journalists. In one instance, journalists were teargassed while they interviewed the leading opposition candidate, Eduardo Mondhlane.
The government subsequently ordered the shutdown of the internet and a social media blackout lasting several days. At the time of the writing of this report there appeared to be no end in sight to the violence in the country.
This affected MISA Mozambique’s programming, necessitating that some meetings be held virtually to ensure the safety of staff and attendees.
However, even virtual meetings were not assured, as the government had demonstrated a tendency to shut down the internet.
In Botswana, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), in power since 1966, was 8 unexpectedly defeated in the elections by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
The BDP’s internal elections were marked by attacks on journalists, which raised concerns about the election process.
The South African election went as projected, with the ANC being forced into a multi-party coalition, while the governing SWAPO won the Namibian election.
Malawi is due to hold elections in 2025. In this context, programming heavily focused on the safety of journalists during elections.
Much more must be done to educate governments and other regional stakeholders about the importance of ensuring journalists’ safety, especially during elections.
Journalists serve as a conveyor belt for information and are critical in providing verified and accurate data that enables the electorate to make informed decisions about their governance. Their role is invaluable.
It is incumbent upon respective governments to ensure their protection while holding perpetrators of crimes against journalists accountable.
