The Libyan Digital Election Protection Network’s lessons learned from municipal elections

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the digital protection of Libya’s electoral process and with the support of International IDEA, the High National Elections Commission (HNEC) has facilitated the establishment of the Digital Election Protection Network - the first of its kind in the country. Developed in coordination with various institutions and partners, this network aims to address digital threats that could undermine the credibility of the electoral process. 

By leveraging technical, legal, and media expertise, the network seeks to create a secure environment and enhance the integration of collaborative efforts to safeguard elections. On 25 June 2024, the network launched its Facebook page Filter, a platform that focuses in combating malicious and misleading practices in the digital environment in relation to elections.

The launch coincided with the opening of the voter registration process, a period marked by a surge in disinformation aimed at undermining the credibility of the November 2024 municipal elections. To set itself apart from other platforms, the page implemented a communication strategy focused on digital education about the electoral process. As the highly awaited elections progressed, the page emerged as a reliable tool for countering fake news by referencing the legal framework and official information from the HNEC, all while maintaining its independence. In just five months, the page garnered 2.5 million followers organically, without any sponsorship, solidifying its role as a trusted source of election-related information.

Image

Before the electoral process for the second group of municipal councils, scheduled for January 2025, kicks off, the Filter team held a meeting to evaluate its achievements and challenges to improve future performance. The discussion emphasized the importance of raising community awareness about digital protection as a critical factor in ensuring electoral integrity, while highlighting the need to diversify publications and communication strategies without compromising this goal.

To strengthen its efforts, a partnership was established with the Libyan Center for the Freedom of Press to enhance the working group’s capabilities. On 17 December 2024, the Filter team was invited to present the initiative at a media and elections conference. Additionally, on 29 December, HNEC will host a major event to showcase various products to stakeholders, including Filter’s contributions.

Image

The implementation workshop is part of a comprehensive project designed to enhance the protection of electoral processes in the information environment. The project consists of three key phases: (1) a Mapping Workshop focused on mapping the information environment and its actors, (2) a Roadmap Workshop serving as a starting point for developing strategic roadmaps to enhance the protection of electoral processes from information environment threats, and (3) an Implementation Workshop(s) where initial steps are taken to put the developed roadmap into action.

Informed by global best practices and exchanges between partner countries, the project will enable national actors to identify suggestions for the way forward, work towards implementing suggestions, and share lessons learned with global audiences. The project is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented by International IDEA.