In preparation of the national Election Day in South Africa in May 7th, Google has launched a South African elections hub.
It is the latest out of the more than 40, Google has built around the world, and is meant to function as a one-stop site for voters to access election-related information, including party and candidate information, where to vote, real-time election news, search trends, and some of the most engaging elections-related YouTube videos from a wide range of political parties, media and civil society.
Google has worked with media, civil society organizations and political parties, enabling them to use technology to innovate during the elections, and allow voters and politicians to share, discuss, and make informed decisions.
Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, Policy and Government Relations Manager at Google South Africa sai: “The internet is driving higher levels of engagement now than ever before, but there is still much that can be done. The run-up to this important election in South Africa is a great opportunity for both candidates and citizens to use the internet and Google’s innovative tools. Our elections tools directly support this mission. We want citizens to be empowered during the upcoming elections, so we’re organizing information to make it easy for voters to find everything they need to make an informed voting decision, all in one place.”