Vote4Africa: Powering Free and Fair Elections

We have all been watching the momentous events unfolding in Egypt, the changing of the guard that has already taken place in Tunisia, and the transfer of power that needs to happen in the Ivory Coast. Out of this call for a new generation of leadership comes Vote4Africa.

2011 is a critical year for democracy in Africa. More than 14 African countries will hold presidential elections, many of which will fail to be free and fair.

Vote4Africa was started to ensure that tens of millions of African votes are honored in 2011 and cultivate effective implementation of free and fair elections throughout the continent. The campaign is using the BSD Tools to reach a diverse set of audiences around the globe.

Blue State Digital helped Vote4Africa launch its website and start an international movement to strengthen Africa’s election monitoring capabilities, monitor results, and put pressure on the leaders and forces impeding democratic reforms.

Africa is seeing demographic shifts infuse a new generation of voices into the national dialogue.

Similarly, new investments in fiber and the spread of wireless have brought vast numbers of Africans online in the last three years. This potent combination is fueling a tumultuous shake-up of politics and governance throughout the region.

The power of online communities to equalize debates and more accurately reflect the will of the people has already irrevocably altered national dialogues around the world, and BSD is proud to support Vote4Africa by bridging the divide between online organizing and on the ground engagement.

You can support Vote4Africa’s mission - and the democratic movements fighting for reform in Africa - by signing the free and fair elections petition.

Deepthi Welaratna is an Email & Online Communications Strategist at Blue State Digital. 

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