Africa has the largest and fastest growing youth population in the world. This year, many of them will vote for the first time in what has been dubbed the ‘super year of elections’ as 72 countries across the world hold elections –17 of which are scheduled to take place in Africa. This includes Mozambique, where voters will head to the polls on 9 October 2024 for the country’s general elections. 

"I've been a victim of misinformation before, like the idea that we just go to vote, but when it comes to counting, our votes don't really count. Now I think differently; I think my vote will count and I'll feel good as a citizen exercising my civic right. 

If we go to the polls, we can choose who we trust or who we think will bring the change we expect. I advise young people to vote."

"My advice to the youth is that they should have respect for what is done during the election period just as we, the elders, had respect. They should do what is necessary without letting anyone off the hook."

"The biggest responsibility of the youth is to vote so that there can be more changes."

"This forum can play a crucial role in combating fake news, especially during the election period, which should be a celebration of democracy, where people choose the candidate who represents their hopes and aspirations."

"Fake news adds no value and is often shared to discredit political parties and the institutions overseeing the election process."

"Since I received the training and started working with this platform, I have realized that there is a lot of hate speech on social media.

"The worst consequence of disinformation on social media is that society may resort to violence. We see a lot of incitement to violence on social media, especially during election periods.” 

The communications campaign also focuses on challenging hate speech and discrimination.

"We have integrated messages into our campaigns that raise awareness and encourage people to avoid sexist and discriminatory discourse. We need to develop the ability to ask questions and seek the truth: Does a woman not deserve a leadership position on her own merits? Are there no capable women in this country? People need to start questioning things and not just accepting and passing on information as truth.  

In addition, we must maintain an attitude of respect for diversity, inclusion and difference during this election process. We live in a society where people have their differences, but what would the world be without diversity?"

In partnership with the Forum of Mozambican Associations of People with Disabilities, UNDP recently supported a TV spot featuring statements from members of the National Parliament with some form of visible disability. A training for journalists on inclusion in electoral processes was also held, in partnership with UNESCO.

"The training organized by UNDP in partnership with UNESCO has been transformative for the way we approach disability advocacy. I learned many things about human rights that I was not aware of, such as how the design of polling booths can violate the rights of persons with disabilities."

"As journalists, it's our responsibility to ensure that this group can vote without barriers."