Civil Society Groups Warn: Cyber Threats and Misinformation Threaten Electoral Integrity

Cybersecurity Threats and Misinformation Raise Alarm Ahead of Nepal’s March Elections

Civil society organizations have raised serious concerns about increasing cybersecurity threats and misinformation campaigns that could undermine Nepal’s upcoming elections on March 5. The coalition of 20 organizations focused on democracy, press freedom, and digital rights issued a joint statement Saturday highlighting the potential dangers to electoral integrity.

The groups specifically warned that the three days immediately preceding the vote represent the most vulnerable period, when organized misinformation campaigns could cause “irreparable damage” to electoral credibility, social harmony, and public trust in democratic institutions.

“There’s a genuine concern that Nepal’s election could become a testing ground for sophisticated misinformation tactics and information manipulation,” said a representative from the coalition. This warning comes amid growing global awareness about how digital disinformation can disrupt democratic processes, as seen in recent elections worldwide.

The Election Commission of Nepal has acknowledged these challenges and expressed commitment to addressing them. To combat these threats, the advocacy groups have proposed establishing shared defensive mechanisms, including a “misinformation dashboard” that would allow editors and journalists to quickly identify and respond to false information circulating online.

The coalition also encouraged media outlets to collaborate in rapidly debunking misleading content through fact-checking initiatives. Such cooperation would represent a united front against those seeking to manipulate public opinion during the sensitive electoral period.

Social media’s growing influence on Nepal’s political landscape was highlighted as a particular concern. Content creators on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok have gained significant sway over public opinion in recent years, especially among younger voters. The statement called on the Election Commission and civil society organizations to promote responsible information sharing and hold influential online voices accountable through transparent initiatives.

“The digital landscape in Nepal has transformed rapidly, but our safeguards haven’t kept pace,” noted one digital rights expert affiliated with the coalition. “With more Nepalis getting their news and political information online than ever before, the potential for manipulation is unprecedented.”

The statement also addressed a troubling trend of media self-censorship. The organizations warned publishers and editors against succumbing to pressure, threats, or fear – including through organized “unfollow campaigns” designed to reduce media outlets’ reach and influence. Such tactics, they argued, undermine fundamental journalistic ethics and democratic responsibility.

Nepal’s upcoming elections come at a time when democratic institutions worldwide are grappling with similar challenges. The country’s relatively recent transition to democracy makes it particularly vulnerable to disruptions that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

Among the organizations signing the statement were prominent advocacy groups including Digital Rights Nepal, Freedom Forum Nepal, Open Internet Nepal, Media Action Nepal, Accountability Lab Nepal, Nepal Voter Rights Forum, Childsafenet, and Youth Innovation Lab.

The coalition’s warning reflects broader regional concerns about election security in South Asia, where digital literacy varies widely and regulatory frameworks for social media platforms remain underdeveloped. Political analysts note that Nepal’s geopolitical significance, positioned between India and China, makes its electoral integrity a matter of regional importance.

The Election Commission has pledged to work closely with civil society organizations to monitor digital threats and respond quickly to misinformation. However, observers note that the commission’s technical capacity and regulatory authority over social media platforms may be limited.

As election day approaches, civic education efforts are being intensified to help voters critically evaluate information sources and recognize potential manipulation tactics. The coalition emphasized that protecting Nepal’s democratic process requires vigilance from government institutions, media organizations, and individual citizens alike.