Governance worldwide has been significantly impacted by digital technologies, which have facilitated political mobilization and communication, but have also raised security concerns due to the amplification and dissemination of hate speech and violence through social media. The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) was adopted in 2007 to promote democratic processes and human rights in Africa, but has not kept pace with the rapid adoption of digital technologies and their impact on governance. This paper by ECDPM examines the ACDEG's interconnections with digital transformation, political activism, and governance, and argues that the charter should be updated to address new challenges such as disinformation, hate speech, and the digital divide. It also recommends the inclusion of provisions that regulate the use of digital technologies by state and non-state actors during electoral processes.

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