Shocking 2026 Election Predictions: Will Internet Blackouts Silence Your Vote?

As elections approach in various regions of the globe, a troubling trend has emerged: governments are increasingly resorting to internet shutdowns to suppress democratic participation. This tactic undermines the very fabric of democracy and human rights, posing a threat that should not be normalized.

Over the last decade, the global #KeepItOn coalition—comprising over 366 civil society organizations—has mobilized communities to monitor, document, and resist these shutdowns. In 2025 alone, the coalition documented 12 election-related shutdowns, matching the number recorded in 2024. This alarming trend highlights the urgency of safeguarding digital freedoms during pivotal democratic processes.

The coalition's Election Watch campaign is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of internet shutdowns. By engaging with government officials, the private sector, election observers, journalists, activists, and human rights defenders, the campaign advocates for an open and secure internet for all, especially in the lead-up to elections.

Efforts to elevate this issue have gained traction on global agendas. For instance, following the 2025 elections in Tanzania, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) condemned a five-day internet shutdown imposed by the Tanzanian government. The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) acknowledged the detrimental impact of this blackout on election monitoring, with the AUEOM declaring Tanzania's elections undemocratic.

In anticipation of Uganda's general elections in January 2026, three ACHPR Commissioners and UN experts issued warnings regarding the potential for election-related shutdowns, following the #KeepItOn coalition's appeal for engagement with Ugandan authorities. Despite these warnings, when the Ugandan government proceeded with connectivity cuts during the elections, the commissioners condemned not only the shutdown but also the broader crackdown on human rights.

The #KeepItOn coalition has played a crucial role in advocating for resolutions denouncing election-related shutdowns. Their efforts have led to commitments from governments in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Kenya, and Ghana to maintain internet access during elections. As global resistance to these shutdowns grows, the coalition urges other nations to join the fight to protect democratic participation.

Countries to Watch in 2026

With over 40 countries—representing a combined population of 1.6 billion people—scheduled to hold elections in 2026, the need to protect democratic participation and digital freedoms has never been more pressing. The #KeepItOn coalition has identified at least 10 countries with a history of internet shutdowns, including Uganda, Ethiopia, Armenia, Russia, and South Sudan, which will be closely monitored in the coming year.

As the threat of shutdowns looms, the coalition has indicated that additional countries may be added to their watchlist if conditions worsen or if high-risk elections are announced. They encourage anyone observing signs of potential shutdowns in unlisted countries to reach out and collaborate with them in the fight against this troubling trend.

Taking Action

Addressing internet shutdowns requires a multifaceted approach that includes collaboration, solidarity, and active documentation. The #KeepItOn coalition's 2025 Election Watch campaign aims to bolster advocacy efforts against shutdowns while empowering communities through awareness-raising and capacity building. They aim to equip individuals with the necessary tools and resources to combat these shutdowns effectively.

Recognizing the crucial role of digital communications in advancing democracy, the coalition encourages all stakeholders—civil society actors, journalists, human rights defenders, governments, and businesses—to join their global movement against internet shutdowns. Together, they can ensure that the internet remains a vital conduit for free, fair, and transparent democratic processes.

To learn more about the #KeepItOn coalition and how to support their efforts against shutdowns, individuals can explore resources and prepare for possible disruptions related to elections. By sharing personal experiences with internet shutdowns, activists can contribute to a powerful narrative that may influence policy changes and raise awareness globally.

As the world inches closer to critical elections, the fight against internet shutdowns remains imperative. Ensuring access to information and communication is not just a technical issue; it is a fundamental aspect of protecting human rights and democratic integrity. The time to act is now.