Of February 2019, social media and general elections

It is no more news that we are now fully in a new year, A special year that usually comes in every four years. Yes, it is special because by February 2019, which is next month, Nigerians will be electing their new leaders to pilot the affairs of government for another four years. February will be full of campaigns both real and propaganda. What would now be the role of social media?

The social media, no doubt, will play key role in this election simply because we are now fully digitally wise than four years ago. The number of social media users has increased tremendously. The platform is now being  used by different government agencies, companies, international observers, non governmental agencies and all political parties to gauge public opinion. It has formed part of the tools government used to engage her citizens both within and in the diaspora. It has also proved itself to be used for advocacy on social cause that is beneficial to mankind. What would be a major concern now is how it would be used to shapen the general election in a more positive way without causing unnecessary tension.

This is achievable if the government, from its own side, deems it pertinent  to dish out an accurate information devoid of propaganda to her citizens without prejudice. Would they be ready to do that? They should be ready to do that if they really want to stabilise our economy and didn’t want to create war of words among those that may have detected some manipulated words in their information to the general public. The Government will do itself more good than harm if it can consolidate on the power of social media.

The independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)  on the other hand can also make use of the platform to get quick feedback from electorate through their  useful mechanism.

• 2019: I am determined to beat Jega’s records ― Yakubu, INEC chair

The law enforcement agencies should, as well, ensure that their operation are objective and professional  without any interference from any quarter.

The general election scheduled for February should not be a do or die affairs, the campaign should be issue- based, name dropping should be avoided so as not to heat the polity.

The political parties should ensure that their members are well informed and kept abreast with electoral process.

It is no exaggeration to say that most words smith will be paid to speak into the subconscious minds of people with the intention to canvass for votes. The questions we need to ask is, are they speaking the truth? Would their speech stand the test of time in the long run?  Would they be able to stand with it after election? If yes, good, but if not, they should thread softly, they should not create problems for unborn generation with their manipulated words.

And to the electorate, they should all go out to cast their votes without prejudice, they should bear it in mind that bad leaders are voted for by those who didn’t come out to vote.

Tearing of posters and bill boards that gulped millions of naira should be totally avoided.

And finally, to the candidates, your message should be clear and concise. We know quite well that it would be presented in a persuasive manner but let it be a goal oriented point. Have it in mind that governance may not be rosy and easy as you think after election but always communicate those bottleneck that may affect your performance to electorate even before you are voted for. With this, they will take you serious and know that you are on top of your game.

Olawoyin Edris Busayo, public relations professional, wrote via Olawoyin4u@gmail.com