As we head towards the 2027 General Election, the crucial battle will not only be between candidates and political parties. It will also be a battle over information — between truth, propaganda, misinformation and lies spreading rapidly across social media. The election is still a year away, but the campaign to shape voters’ perceptions has already begun. WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook, X and other platforms have become important political battlegrounds. A single voice note, edited video or misleading image can reach thousands of people before it is verified. The danger is that propaganda rarely comes with a label saying it is propaganda. It is often presented as legitimate news, accompanied by a photograph of a political leader, a media logo or a quotation allegedly attributed to a prominent person. People are more likely to believe such messages when they receive them from a relative, friend or someone they trust. Recently, for example, a false claim circulated alleging that the chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Erastus Ethekon, had said President William Ruto would win the 2027 election. An investigation by Africa Check found no evidence that Ethekon had made such a statement. This teaches us one important lesson: not everything we read, hear or see is true. The IEBC itself has warned against claims by individuals who allege that they can influence the 2027 election through illegal means. The commission has said such claims can intimidate and mislead citizens while undermining public confidence in the electoral system. It is also important to understand that propaganda does not come from only one side. This is something voters must recognise. False information can target a candidate from the government side or one from the opposition. Therefore, the question should not be, “Does this information support my side?” The question should be, “Is this information true?” That is where the responsibility of every citizen begins. Before sharing a message, we should ask ourselves: Who published it? What is the source? Is there evidence? What are credible media organisations reporting? Is the information recent, or is an old photograph or video being presented as a new event to create a different impression? The media also has a major responsibility. Journalists must resist the temptation to publish politicians’ claims simply because they are sensational or likely to attract audiences. Election reporting must be based on evidence, context and balance. Politicians, on their part, should stop using propaganda as a political weapon. An election victory achieved by misleading citizens may deliver power, but it cannot build trust.