The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has deployed a team of researchers, journalists, and fact-checkers to Côte d’Ivoire ahead of the 2025 Presidential Election. 

Executive Director, Akintunde Babatunde, says the move aims to safeguard the integrity of information and ensure citizens make voting decisions based on facts rather than misinformation.

Speaking on the initiative, Akintude Babatunde said the credibility of elections is not only dependent on transparent administration but also on the accuracy of public information.

“Our work in Côte d’Ivoire will help ensure that citizens make informed decisions based on facts, not falsehoods,” he noted.

The deployment forms part of CJID’s broader efforts to strengthen electoral transparency across West Africa.

Through the organisation’s AI-powered Election Information Observatory, the team will monitor, document, and counter election-related misinformation and disinformation that could undermine public trust in the electoral process.

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

The goal is to improve access to accurate election information and support a more informed electorate ahead of Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential polls scheduled for October 25, 2025.

The organisation says this initiative builds on its recent regional work, including support for elections in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Guinea, where CJID has worked with electoral bodies, journalists, and civic groups to strengthen democratic processes.

Researchers, data analysts, and open-source intelligence (OSINT) specialists from CJID’s Media in National Elections (MiNE) team will also use the deployment to study how media coverage influences political participation and democratic stability in the region.

The findings are expected to support ongoing conversations on governance and development across West Africa.

Akintude Babatunde added that CJID has been active in Côte d’Ivoire for more than a year, training journalists and first-time voters.

“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 said.