Opinion: Upholding Professionalism — The Use of Personal Twitter Accounts by ECM Officials

In the age of digital communication, the role of social media in disseminating information to the public cannot be underestimated.

It serves as a powerful tool to connect with citizens and provide the public with timely updates on important matters. However, when it comes to government institutions like the Election Commission of Maldives (ECM), the question arises: should officials be using their personal Twitter accounts to share crucial information instead of the official Commission account?

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ރިޔާސީ އިންތިހާބު 2023 ގެ ވަގުތީ ނަތީޖާ އިލެކްޝަންސް ކޮމިޝަނުން މިހާރު ވަނީ އާންމުކޮށް އިއުލާން ކޮށްފައި.
ރަސްމީ ނަތީޖާ ކުރިން ޢާންމުކުރުމަށް ހަމަޖެހިފައިވާ ތާރީޚަށްވުރެ ކުރީން، ނަތީޖާ ޝީޓްތައް ވެރިފައި ކުރެވުނުހާ އަވަހަކަށް އިލެކްޝަންސް ކޮމިޝަނުން އިއުލާން ކުރާނެ.#visnun23… pic.twitter.com/huj3YewuMB— Ismail Habeeb (@IsmailHabeeb) September 11, 2023

Throughout the ongoing Presidential Elections 2023, we have seen both Ismail Habeeb, Vice Chairman and Fuad Thaufeeq, Chairman of ECM use their personal account to disseminate important information relating to the election.

Professionalism in Government Institutions

To ensure that the public’s trust is maintained and the institution’s credibility is upheld, professionalism is paramount to guarantee the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.

The use of personal Twitter accounts by ECM officials to disseminate information raises valid concerns about professionalism. While social media platforms offer a more informal means of communication, it is crucial for government bodies to maintain a consistent and official channel for sharing information.

Vote lun feshey gadi akee 9 September 2023 vaa Honihiru dhuvahuge hen'dhunu 8:00. Vote laa meehunge queue bandhuvaa gadiakee hama edhuvahuge haveeru 4:00. Queue bandhuvaa gadee gai queue gai thibi emmen nah vote leveyne. https://t.co/scHxz6j5qd— Fuwad Thowfeek (@FuwadThowfeek) September 8, 2023

Using personal social media accounts for official purposes also blurs the line of accountability. Using official channels also ensures that the public has access to consistency in information.

It is clear that the Commission should establish a clear social media policy that outlines the appropriate use of personal and official accounts by its officials. This policy should emphasise the importance of professionalism and consistency.

Using official channels also strengthens the official social media channels, ensuring they are reliable sources of accurate information for the public.