Through focus groups with senior journalists and content analysis of over 800 online articles from different African countries, they found that the words most commonly used when reporting on elections were corruption, violence, ethnic tension, unengaged youths and fraud, says Africa No Filter.

Yet we know there is more to elections in our African countries than one single negative narrative.

According to the organisation, How to Write About an African Election: A Guide, sets out to equip journalists and other content creators with the tools to tell stories that reflect the dynamic, nuanced and complex nature of African people and their electoral processes.

The guide is put together using analysis of current reporting on elections insights from discussions with journalists and editors, some of whom have covered elections in Africa and other parts of the world for decades, says Africa No Filter. 

Africa No Filter says that How to Write About an African Election: A Guide: 

  • offers a comprehensive guide on covering African elections, including practical tips and ethical guidelines 
  • offers suggestions on what journalists need to stop doing and what they should start doing to tell better stories about African elections, from personal checklists that deal with biases against Africans to interrogating newsroom culture and traditions, and 
  • also includes missing frames that journalists can use to rethink their stories.

The guide is not a tool for journalists only, other storytellers or content creators who contribute to building the narrative of elections in Africa will find it valuable, adds the organisation.

Moky Makura, Executive Director at Africa No Filter, says, "Across the world, elections are one of the most widely covered news stories, due to their far-reaching consequences. How to Write About an African Election was designed to confront and dismantle the pervasive stereotypes that persist about elections in Africa."

"This guide is not merely about transforming how stories are told; it's about redefining the global narrative around Africa through a more nuanced portrayal of African democracy," adds Makura. 

Mamaponya Motsai, CEO at fraycollege of Communications, says, "The stories that journalists tell on elections, or any topic have practical implications for ordinary citizens. This is a lot of power and it must be used well. This guide is not only a call to action but also a step towards more inclusive and representative election coverage that truly reflects the diverse voices and experiences and serves the African electorate."

How to Write About an African Election: A Guide is part of Africa No Filter's advocacy for storytellers to tell better stories about Africa, and for African stories to be told better. It was produced by fraycollege of Communications, says the organisation. 

To launch the guide, Africa No Filter and fraycollege will be holding a webinar on Thursday, 3 October 2024 at 12:00 CET called Africa No Filter Presents: A conversation about writing African elections. 

Africa No Filter concludes, leading voices in journalism, media training and electoral coverage from across the continent will discuss rethinking traditional approaches to election reporting, sharing best practices and exploring how to portray African elections in a way that reflects the diverse and dynamic realities on the ground. 

For more information, visit www.africanofilter.org and www.theafricancenter.org. 

*Image courtesy of contributor