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Did any candidates or parties use social media to gain an advantage in the parliamentary elections?

Emmalee Patshull

Yes, candidates and parties in the parliamentary elections have definitely used social media to gain an advantage in the election campaigns. The use of social media as a means of contact with the voters has been gaining ground over the past few years, and this trend has continued in the latest parliamentary elections.

Social media has become a critical platform for political parties to connect with their base supporters, recruit volunteers, and spread their message to people who may not be as familiar with their platform. Both established political parties and newer movements and parties have utilized social media to reach out to potential voters and increase their visibility.

One of the advantages social media offers is the ability to reach out to younger voters, who may not have access to traditional media platforms, such as television, radio or newspapers. Younger voters are known for being active social media users and thus are more likely to engage with content that is shared through social media channels.

Social media also allows candidates to target specific demographics through paid advertising. They can utilize analytical tools to determine which factors and demographics of society are most likely to engage with their ads. Candidates might want to target people who have specific political beliefs, interests or geographical locations.

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are the most frequently used platforms by the candidates of political parties to reach out to their supporters. The posts on social media channels would include information about political events, announcements of policy changes, and encouraging messages urging people to cast their vote. One big advantage of posting content on social media is that supporters can share this content with their own followers, spreading the word further across the platform.

Social media has also become a powerful tool for political activism, providing a space for social groups to organize their activities and to share their messages. Political parties can leverage these groups to advance their policies or to conduct political campaigns, both online and offline.

In conclusion, the impact of social media on parliamentary elections is undeniable. Social media platforms have become a favored tool for political parties to communicate with their supporters, and reach out to potential voters. The rise of digital technology has made it all the more accessible for the political campaigns to reach a broad and diverse audience, resulting in more informed voters. Candidates can utilize social media in a variety of ways to enhance their visibility, showcase their policies, and engage with their audiences, ultimately leading to an advantageous outcome in the parliamentary elections.