5/23/22, 12:10 AM The Hate Speech Threat to the 2020 Election | Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs Phandeeyar, local tech companies and civil society coalitions such as Panzagar, could work in unison to promote positive dialogue on social media by sponsoring entrepreneurs to develop apps that connect divided communities rather than reinforce existing stigmas. For example, the Asia Foundation has commissioned apps that allow voters to learn about political parties’ policies, the location of polling stations and other essential information on their mobile phones. Wider use of such apps could help dispel fake news aimed at character assassination of politicians or disinformation aimed at dissuading voters from participating. Finally, now is the time to consider political reforms to grant the UEC greater structural independence from the ruling party. The government could appoint a neutral, third-party ombudsman or body of a few individuals who would review appointments and oversee the nomination process for election commissioners. This would strip the USDP of one avenue for criticising the NLD government, and would therefore be in the latter’s interests. It would also boost transparency and demonstrate to voters that the NLD takes the integrity of the electoral process seriously. Most importantly, the people of Myanmar must be alert to the potential misuse of social media to spread misinformation and hateful content that could instigate conflict. Instead, voters should support candidates who promote inclusive, peaceful and democratic politics. Hunter Marston is a PhD candidate in the Department of International Relations, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, Australian National University. This article appeared in Frontier, 6 April 2019. Tags: Hunter Marston, Myanmar, 2020 election, hate speech, fake news, Union Election Commission UPDATED: 23 May 2022/RESPONSIBLE OFFICER: Bell School Marketing Team/PAGE CONTACT: CAP Web Team https://bellschool.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/7048/hate-speech-threat-2020-election 3/3