As it has been the norm during elections many candidates will employ array of channels to reach electorates. However, with advent of social media many politicians have created online platforms to interact with voters and cross check how they perform based on responses from die hard and arch rivals.
What we see are the posts either completely supporting the incumbent or any candidate, while those afflicted on opposition regime will out rightly critique the ruling regime and fault their shortcomings and warn those on power to change or be send parking in subsequent elections.
Some have branded themselves as political analysts and opinion makers. Some will conduct polls to establish which leader has higher rating than others. Should politicians be blindfolded with social media and stage their campaigns on Facebook?
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 their projects most often. The campaign strategy works well for the few elite and who own internet enabled cell phones more so in towns. While in village where network is a stumbling block very few will access.
It is so surprising that those accessing information are young people who in most cases won’t vote for obvious reasons. Facebook leaves out many who either can’t afford internet enabled phones or those due to religion consider Facebook as evil. Take for instance a saved lady or a gentleman who is not a fan of Facebook, how will they be kept abreast of politicians when they cannot access internet?
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 centers and stadiums to listens to candidates. This may not be reflected 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 neighbor isn’t aware of your presence in political arena.
We don’t want the situation of tyranny of numbers where many will be shocked after losing with a landslide during elections.
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