The issue of electoral sovereignty in the digital age has gained significant attention, particularly in the wake of recent controversies surrounding the influence of digital platforms on election outcomes. In a recent article, João Vieira-Baptista highlighted the transformation of political marketing in the digital era, where technologies not only transmit information but also shape expectations and condition the environment in which citizens form their choices. This debate has been reignited by statements from Lula da Silva, who denounced external interference by digital platforms and advocated for the regulation of social media.
The Polymarket platform gained notoriety during the 2024 US presidential elections by presenting probabilities of victory based on financial transactions. While a 70% probability does not necessarily mean 70% of voters support a particular candidate, the narrative of an inevitable victory can influence mobilization, campaign financing, and media coverage. The problem arises when predictions are presented as anticipated outcomes, which can acquire the capacity to influence collective perceptions. This highlights the need for caution when interpreting predictions as facts.
The Brazilian controversy adds another dimension to the problem, emphasizing the power of large technological platforms in controlling the circulation of political information. Today, elections are also fought on algorithms that select content, recommendation systems that amplify certain messages, and artificial intelligence tools capable of creating fake images, voices, and statements. The issue is not to demonize technology but to understand who controls visibility mechanisms, who finances digital campaigns, and what instruments can identify manipulation operations.
In Cabo Verde, a small island nation with a relatively small electorate and a significant diaspora, the issue of digital electoral sovereignty is particularly pertinent. A seemingly limited digital operation can quickly gain significant proportions, and a fabricated video, coordinated disinformation campaign, or artificially amplified narrative can spread rapidly among the islands and diaspora. The country must be prepared to identify foreign-financed digital campaigns, understand online political advertising financing mechanisms, and distinguish between spontaneous mobilization and artificial amplification.
The paradox of algorithmic democracy lies in the fact that while each citizen formally has the same electoral power, not all political actors have the same capacity to influence the information environment in which that power is exercised. The internet has not created this inequality, but it has increased the speed, personalization, and scale of influence. With generative artificial intelligence, the risks intensify, and protecting electoral integrity means also protecting the conditions in which citizens form their opinions.
To address these challenges, Cabo Verde needs an agenda for digital electoral integrity based on transparency in online political financing, identification of those responsible for sponsored campaigns, personal data protection, prevention of fraudulent content, and media literacy. The National Elections Commission, competent authorities, universities, media outlets, and political parties must contribute to this debate, respecting their respective competencies. Political parties also have responsibilities, and they cannot demand transparency from opponents while tolerating obscure practices in their own campaigns.
Ultimately, regulating digital platforms does not mean establishing an official truth but ensuring that freedom of expression is not instrumentalized by fraud, opacity, and organized manipulation. Cabo Verde needs to anticipate institutional challenges, develop technical capacity, and think strategically to ensure electoral sovereignty in the digital age. The country requires prepared institutions, independent media, responsible parties, and citizens capable of distinguishing credible information from manipulation.
Key points
- The issue of electoral sovereignty in the digital age is a pressing concern for Cabo Verde.
- The country must address vulnerabilities in digital campaigns and ensure transparency in online political advertising.
- Cabo Verde needs an agenda for digital electoral integrity to protect the integrity of its electoral process.
