August 25, 2008
Cell phones promise fairer elections in Africa
The humble mobile phone is driving a new revolution which some experts hope could bring fairer elections and democracy to some African states. CNN reports.
"Many African countries have struggled against rigged elections and authoritarian rule since gaining independence last century.
However, African observers say the growth of simple communication technologies like cell phones are assisting many states to progress towards open and fair elections in increasingly democratic systems.
Senegal is one of a number of African countries to hold successful elections by keeping voting and counting in check through independent communication."
According to Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan: "With communication and cell phones, this is where it is difficult to cheat in elections now. You are announced at the district level and cell phones go wild so by the time you go to the capital, if you have changed the figures, they will know and you will be caught out.".
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