Election bot counters sexist abuse in New Zealand, one tweet at a time

The targeting of Ardern, Collins and more than 260 female parliamentary candidates has prompted the launch of the Parity Bot, which tweets a positive message every time it detects an abusive tweet against a female candidate. — Reuters

WELLINGTON: An abuse-fighting bot has sent out hundreds of positive messages on social media to counter the online harassment of women candidates in New Zealand’s general election.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, her main rival the opposition leader Judith Collins and more than 260 female parliamentary candidates have become a target for online hatred and sexism ahead of the Oct 17 national polls.