By Donald Zimba

Lilongwe, March 21, Mana: In a decisive move to combat misinformation and disinformation ahead of the country’s elections, the Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu, has launched iVerify Malawi, a fact-checking initiative spearheaded by MISA Malawi.

Speaking at the event that took place on Friday at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, Kunkuyu emphasized the growing threat of false information, particularly during election periods, where misinformation can fuel unrest and undermine public trust in the electoral process.

“False information is a danger to any society. iVerify Malawi has come at a much-needed time as we approach the elections. This is a time when we cannot afford to live in an era of disinformation,” he stated.

He called on both the media and the public to be vigilant, underscoring that the responsibility to combat fake news falls on everyone, not just journalists.

MISA Malawi Chairperson, Golden Matonga, reaffirmed the platform’s role in curbing the spread of fake news, stating that iVerify Malawi will fact-check suspicious information, particularly during the campaign and voting periods.

“Misinformation can lead to violence and distrust in the electoral process. This platform allows the public to report any questionable stories, which will then be verified to ensure people access factual information,” Matonga said.

The launch comes at a critical time when social media and digital platforms are widespread with misleading claims, which can easily influence public perception. False narratives about election candidates, polling procedures, and election results have the potential to incite violence or delegitimize the process.

UNDP Resident Coordinator, Fenelia Frost, commended the initiative, stating that iVerify Malawi will equip citizens with the tools to discern fact from fiction.

“Misinformation is dangerous, especially in an election year. This platform will play a crucial role in ensuring factual and credible information is shared with the public,” Frost emphasized.

The iVerify Malawi platform will serve as a trusted resource for citizens, journalists, and policy makers, offering verified news to counter misleading narratives. As Malawi enters a crucial election period, the fight against misinformation has never been more urgent.