A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has urged the government to refrain from shutting down internet access during this year's election period.

The appeal follows instances in 24 countries where internet shutdowns during election years impeded the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms.

Manager of the KeepItOn campaign, Felicia Anthonio, emphasized the importance of maintaining internet access during elections. She noted that this year, with national elections expected in at least 64 countries, the stakes for democracy and human rights were higher than ever.

Speaking at a workshop organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Access Now, Mrs. Antonio highlighted the violation of fundamental human rights that occur with internet shutdowns. She urged the government to ensure internet access to uphold democracy and human rights.

The workshop, part of the KeepItOn campaign launched by Access Now in 2016, aimed to unite activists and organizations worldwide to end internet shutdowns. It brought together participants from various civil society organizations to address the increasing trend of network shutdowns in Africa and its impact on economic development and human rights.

Internet shutdowns intentionally disrupt internet or electronic communications, rendering them inaccessible or unusable for a specific population or location. Governments often implement shutdowns during key national events such as elections or mass protests to control information flow.

Mrs. Anthonio emphasized that such restrictions not only impede communication but also disrupt businesses, education, and access to online services, affecting ordinary lives.

She said internet shutdowns were unacceptable and governments should not be imposing them irrespective of the reason.

“Internet shutdowns violate fundamental human rights and governments have the duty to protect these rights and so the media needs to re-echo these calls that we are making,” Mrs Anthonio said.

“A lot of governments would shut down internet during election periods with excuses that it is for national security reasons but we need them to stop using that as an excuse and rather look at increasing the access to improve national discourse,” she added.