DIGITAL MEDIA EDUCATION AS A TOOL TO COMBAT DISINFORMATION IN ELECTORAL PROCESSES

Introduction: This article analyzes digital media education as a key tool for combating disinformation in electoral processes, in a context of increasing complexity in the information landscape. It addresses the importance of media and information literacy as a means of strengthening voters' critical thinking and improving democratic quality. Methods: The research was conducted through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) following Kitchenham's methodology. Studies documenting strategies, impacts, and experiences in the implementation of digital media education were reviewed and analyzed, with special attention to the integration of emerging technologies in the electoral field. Results: The analysis identified effective strategies such as media and information literacy programs, cooperation between electoral institutions and media outlets, creation of fact-checking portals, public awareness campaigns, and ongoing training of journalists in fact-checking . Ecuador stood out for the initiatives implemented by the National Electoral Council, in collaboration with local and international entities, to counter disinformation. The evidence reviewed shows significant improvements in voters' ability to differentiate true from false information, although challenges remain related to the rapid evolution of disinformation technologies and the need to tailor actions to each context. Conclusions: Digital media education is an essential component for strengthening citizen resilience against electoral disinformation. Its effectiveness depends on strategies tailored to the local environment, the innovative use of emerging technologies, and sustained cooperation between institutions, media outlets, and technology platforms to generate coordinated and effective responses.