The International Journal of Press/Politics’ Post

In our latest publication, Kelechi Amakoh examines how negative campaigning shapes trust in elections. Drawing on Afrobarometer data from 18 African countries, the study finds that attack-focused messages fuel cynicism, weaken confidence in politicians, and heighten doubts about electoral fairness—especially where electoral management bodies (EMBs) lack independence. Yet when EMBs are highly autonomous, negativity doesn’t erode trust and can even strengthen it, as institutional safeguards reassure voters. The findings highlight how the integrity of electoral institutions shapes the democratic consequences of campaign strategies. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gmPVeuBb