Social media platforms are effective and efficient mechanisms to send voters a quick heads-up and inform them in real-time on latest news and developments. However, the content that can be distributed through social media platforms is limited. Therefore, while the use of social media has many advantages, social media strategies should be seen as complementary to user-friendly websites that offer a one-stop shop for all election-related information. 

Today, in many contexts – especially in developing countries – it is more likely that young people have regular access to smartphones than to desktop computers or laptops. EMBs therefore should develop mobile-responsive websites. 

Despite the many benefits of the mobile web, election-specific smartphone apps are becoming increasingly popular. The main advantage of apps is that they do not require internet connection and allow people offline access to content and functions, something which is particularly important for people living in rural areas with a limited, slow and/or unstable internet connection. The MyINEC app developed by Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has become a one-stop shop for all INEC information. It enables subscribers to use their mobile phones to access election-related news, such as for example information on candidates and political parties[i]. 

Additionally, apps are being developed for interactive games. Games are an interesting feature to present elections in a fun and interactive way and to introduce first-time voters to the electoral process. However, the development of good games is rather costly. If funding allows, EMBs can reach out to external services to develop interactive games or to adapt those already used elsewhere. 

Example: Three weeks before Tunisia’s first free democratic elections in 2011, UNDP teamed up with the country’s Radio Mosaique FM to launch “DemocraTweet,” an educational game about voting aimed at mobilizing youth to actively participate in the electoral process and to educate them about the importance of voting to ensure their rights and freedoms. Game players learned about the democratic system, the role and tasks of the National Constituent Assembly and the institutional framework for elections. The game also included information on the electoral process, including election procedures, and the importance of a large voter turnout if the results are to be accepted by Tunisians.[ii] 

Example: In 2014, the Election Commission of India (ECI), with support from the EC and UNDP, developed the video game “Get Set Vote,” which is available on its website (eci.gov.in). The game – available in English and Hindi – is designed to engage citizens of all age groups to learn about democracy and the electoral process in an interactive manner. The concept is easy: with 10 levels of mazes, players receive at each level pieces of information on democracy, registration, assistance from ECI and so on. The information provided becomes more specific with every level and the mazes get more challenging as the game progresses.[iii] 

Example: In Japan, a newspaper company offers ‘candidate matching’ website. Voters answer a series of questions, and then will be matched with candidate whose policies or platform are closest to the voter.[iv]