The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has deployed a specialised team of fact-checkers, researchers, and data analysts to Côte d’Ivoire as the country holds its presidential election today, October 25.

The move, according to the organisation, is part of efforts to combat disinformation and promote credible electoral processes.

Through its fact-checking initiative, DUBAWA, CJID is partnering with the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), local media organisations, and civil society groups to provide verified, real-time election information to the public.

Speaking on the initiative, CJID’s Executive Director, Akintunde Babatunde, in a statement, said the initiative seeks to ensure that voters receive accurate updates and fact-checked reports, thereby contributing to a more informed electorate.

According to him, building on CJID’s regional experience and electoral interventions in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Guinea, the project reinforces the organisation’s mission to safeguard democracy through evidence-based journalism and accountability reporting.

He said over the years, the organisation has worked with electoral institutions, journalists, and civic actors across West Africa to strengthen electoral systems and enhance media credibility.

“Researchers, data analysts, and OSINT experts within CJID’s Media in National Elections (MiNE) team will also generate data-driven insights on how the media shapes democratic participation in West Africa.

“Their findings will contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between democracy and regional development”, the statement said.

Babatunde observed that the credibility of elections depends not only on transparent administration but also on the integrity of the information environment.

“Our work in Côte d’Ivoire will help ensure that citizens make informed decisions based on facts, not falsehoods. The credibility of any election is tied to the quality of information available to the electorate,” he stated.

He noted that CJID has been operational in Côte d’Ivoire for about 18 months and has recently trained journalists on detecting election-related disinformation while also engaging first-time voters on media literacy.

“For us, the media is central to building a democratic society. We are grateful to WANEP, CIVICUS, and other partners working with us to strengthen the country’s information ecosystem,” he added.