IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON VOTING PATTERNS DURING THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the impact of social media on voting patterns in the 2023 presidential election in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The study adopted descriptive research survey design in building up this project work. The sample size was made up of 84 respondents which were drawn from the respondents. The data collected was analyzed using frequency count and simple percentage. The study revealed that social media plays a significant role on mass mobilization of voters during the 2023 presidential election in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. It was concluded that there is a significant impact of social media on voting pattern in the 2023 presidential election in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The study recommends that the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), should adopt the electronic voting system in order to allow youths who may not go out to vote physically do so online. It was also recommended that political parties, politicians, governmental agencies and ministries should create a robust and effective social media presence to inform and educate youths.