Social media and elections: A case of Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini

Abstract

The Kingdom of Eswatini underwent elections in September 2018, which did not witness the extensive use of social media. Contrary to trends in other African countries, the campaigns were offline. This chapter seeks to find out why, despite the increasing use of social media in electoral campaigns across Africa, Eswatini has not been part of the bandwagon? Through analysing Botswana and Lesotho, the chapter looks at how they have been impacted by social media and the nature of engagement on this space. In Botswana and Lesotho, politicians have embraced social media for campaigning. Internet restriction, marginalisation and censorship of opposition parties from traditional state-owned media prior to or during elections are evident which have facilitated online political communication and offered an alternative dialogical space.