Speaker Wetang’ula Warns Parliamentarians on Risks and Power of Social Media

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has cautioned lawmakers across the Commonwealth on the growing influence of social media, describing it as a “double-edged sword” that can both strengthen democratic engagement and undermine parliamentary effectiveness.

Speaker Wetang’ula was speaking on Thursday during the official opening of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), currently underway in New Delhi. The high-level forum was officially opened by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is focused on reviewing strategies to deepen cooperation among Commonwealth parliaments.

In his address, the Speaker noted that parliamentary proceedings are now subjected to immediate, continuous, and often unfiltered public scrutiny due to the rise of digital platforms. He warned that while social media has enhanced transparency and direct engagement between legislators and the public, it has also amplified misinformation, polarization, and misinterpretation of parliamentary work.

“Social media is a double-edged sword for parliamentarians. On one hand, it is a powerful tool for engagement, transparency, and accountability. On the other, it magnifies misunderstandings and fuels polarization,” Speaker Wetang’ula said.

He cautioned against the abuse of social media to intimidate or harass Members of Parliament, noting that such conduct undermines lawmakers’ ability to effectively discharge their constitutional mandate. According to the Speaker, once misinformation takes hold in a highly charged digital environment, correcting it becomes more difficult than remaining silent, while explanations can easily be misconstrued as manipulation.

“For parliamentarians, this is not merely a communication challenge. It affects personal safety, legislative focus, and the capacity of Parliament to deliberate freely without intimidation,” he observed.

Speaker Wetang’ula said the situation poses serious questions for Presiding Officers on how to safeguard the integrity of parliamentary processes while still respecting public participation and freedom of expression.

He further urged lawmakers to exercise discernment in responding to online criticism, saying not every provocation or trending topic deserves engagement. “Strength lies in knowing which criticism requires a response and which noise should be ignored,” he said, adding that leaders must ensure that what the public sees reflects the seriousness, discipline, and purpose of the institutions they lead.

On the sidelines of the conference, Speaker Wetang’ula held talks with Prime Minister Modi, during which he acknowledged India’s strong democratic traditions and their contribution to national growth.

The Indian Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to the Commonwealth Sustainable Development Goals, which target key sectors including health, climate change, economic growth, and innovation, aimed at fostering inclusive and progressive development across member states.

The CSPOC conference brings together Speakers and Presiding Officers from across the Commonwealth to exchange views on strengthening democratic institutions in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.