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October 31, 2024
US elections highlight internet’s democratic impact
Atereano Mateariki
Posted On October 31, 2024
Download AudioA senior lecturer in politics and expatriate American says the U.S. elections are exposing the harmful effects the internet can have on democratic processes.
Election Day is next Wednesday, with former President Donald Trump set to face Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race. Alongside the presidential election, 34 Senate seats and all 435 House of Representatives seats will also be contested.
Waipapa Taumata Rau senior lecturer Tim Fadgen says the internet campaign run by Trump and the Republican Party is focused on spreading doubt about polling booth regulations and vote counting.
The election results could lead to a weakening of democratic processes not only in the U.S. but potentially on a global scale.
“If the election is not decisively one way or the other, we’re really in for months of doubt that could have long-term consequences, not only for democracy in America, but this is, I think, the risk throughout the world. It sets out a playbook for undermining weak institutions,” says Fadgen.
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