Open AccessThe challenges and opportunities of Web 2.0 elections: the case of Zimbabwe
Author(s) -
Limukani Mathe
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of african elections
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2415-5837
pISSN - 1609-4700
DOI - 10.20940/jae/2020/v19i2a7
Subject(s) - panacea (medicine) , politics , political science , general election , public relations , public administration , law , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology
This study analyses different perspectives of the challenges and opportunities of using Web 2.0 technology with specific reference to Zimbabwe’s 2018 general elections. It discusses digital tools and resources such as social networking sites (SNSs) and biometric voter registration (BVR) for the management of the voters’ roll. The study includes indepth interviews with several politicians and ZEC officials to discuss the challenges and opportunities of Web 2.0 in Zimbabwe’s elections. Informed by theoretical concepts on technology and politics, the study establishes that technology is not a panacea but can be used as an apparatus. This study concludes that political institutions in Zimbabwe should reach consensus that the country will not conduct another election until electoral reforms are implemented because technology alone cannot overcome political challenges. Thus, the election monitoring body should be sufficiently credible to ensure a free and fair election.