Voter Education through Social Media: An Analytical Study of Independent Electoral Commission‟s Twitter and Facebook Platforms

International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

© 2020 by SSRG - IJHSS Journal

Volume 7 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2020

Authors : Ofonmbuk Titus Ibanga, Chinelo Ifeoma Arugu, Uche A. Ucheobi

10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V7I3P107

How to Cite?

Ofonmbuk Titus Ibanga, Chinelo Ifeoma Arugu, Uche A. Ucheobi, "Voter Education through Social Media: An Analytical Study of Independent Electoral Commission‟s Twitter and Facebook Platforms," SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 7,  no. 3, pp. 28-33, 2020. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V7I3P107

Abstract:

Social media platforms have become potent channels for engendering voter education in Nigeria. The study set out with the aim of assessing Facebook and Twitter platforms of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ascertain the use of these platforms for voter education by the electoral body. The study was premised on the actor-network theory. Content analysis was used to achieve specific objectives of the study The coding sheet served as an instrument for data collection. Systematic sampling technique was used by the study. Findings showed a preponderance of press releases and activities of INEC on these platforms. The various sub-themes of voter education were hardly found. INEC, unfortunately, had not utilized any of the platforms for engaging citizens before the 2019 general elections. The study recommended that INEC alter its one-way approach to communication on social media and also dedicate Facebook and Twitter to voter education given how much citizens use the two platforms for political discussions.

Keywords:

Facebook, Social media, Twitter, Voter Education.

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