The Media and Elections
摘要
The media plays an important role in the electoral processes, contributing to the dynamics of public perception and democratic participation. This chapter therefore examines the media as a resource: the colonial heritage, post-independent media, the media and campaign, transition elections, and the media and election. The chapter also interrogates the complex relationship between the media and elections, focusing on how various media platforms, traditional and digital, inform voters, frame political discourse and influence electoral outcomes. It explores the media’s function as a watchdog, agenda-setter and public educator during election periods, while also addressing challenges such as media bias, political advertising and ownership influences. The chapter highlights how media coverage affects candidate visibility, voter behaviour and the overall credibility of electoral processes. Special attention is given to emerging trends in digital campaigning and social media mobilization, particularly their implications for youth participation and political polarization. The chapter identifies both opportunities and threats posed by media involvement in elections, and provides insights on the media’s evolving role in promoting transparency, accountability and democratic engagement in electoral systems.