During elections candidates will employ array of channels to reach electorates in their campaigns. However with advent of social media many politicians have created online platforms to interact with voters and check how they perform based on responses from followers.
The posts we see are of those either supporting the incumbent or other candidates and in most cases those in opposition will critique the ruling regime and warn those in power to change or be send parking in subsequent elections.
Some have branded themselves as ‘political analysts and opinion makers when in real sense they hardly reached form four. They have crafted profiles which confers them undue status. Some will conduct polls to establish which leader has higher rating than others. Politicians should be cautious lest they become victims.
Now politicians of all walks of life are joining the bandwagon. Many will author very long manifestos stating what they wish to do for voters. Some will post projects they have done or are doing. In western Kenya many hopefuls will organize tournaments and then upload hundreds of pictures on Facebook. The campaign strategy will work well for the few elite and who own internet enabled cell phones more so in towns unlike in village where few are able to access internet.
Most of the people who access information in Facebook are young people who in most cases won’t vote for obvious reasons, lack of identity cards. Facebook leaves out many who either can’t afford internet enabled phones or those whose religion consider Facebook as evil.
The politician will emerge the top in many polls conducted on Facebook when in real sense lack support on the ground. How sure are we that those supporting him come from his backyard? Furthermore how sure are we that those who supported the winning candidate have voters card? It is just like during political campaigns when mammoth crowd will fill trading centres and stadiums to listens to candidates. This may not be exact case during elections.
Given that majority of voters are mature and elderly it is good to spend more time with voters in campaigns other than becoming local celebrities online when even your own neighbour isn’t aware of your presence in political arena.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
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