ROLE OF NIGERIAN MASS MEDIA IN THE PROMOTING FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS (A STUDY OF HEARTLAND, IBC AND HOT FM)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page i
Declaration ii
Certification iii
Dedication IV
Acknowledgement v
Table of contents VI
List of tables vii
Abstract viii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
- background of the study 1
- Statement of the problem 2
- Objectives of the study 3
- Research Questions 3
- Scope of the study 3
- Significance of the study 4
- Operational Definition of Significant terms 4
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction 6
2.2 Review of the concepts 6
2.2.1 Concept of election 6
2.2.2Concept of electorate 8
2.2.3 Concept of political Mobilization 12
2.2.4 Concept of political participation 14
2.2.5 Concept of mass media as a tool for Mass Communication 14
2.3 Review of Related Studies 19
2.4 Theoretical Framework 21
2.5 Summary 22
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction 23
3.2 Research Design 23
3.3 Population of the study 23
3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Technique 24
3.5Description of the Research Instrument 25
3.6 Validity of Data Gathering Instrument 25
3.7 Method of Data Collection 25
3.8 Method of Data Analysis 25
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction 26
4.2 Data Presentation and Analysis 26
4.3 Discussions of Findings 38
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction 41
5.2 Summary of findings 41
5.3 Conclusion 41
5.4 Recommendations 41
Suggestions for Further Studies
42 References
43 Appendix A
44 Appendix B
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to determine The role of Nigerian Mass media in the promoting free and fair elections (A study of heartland FM, IBC and Hot FM). The study adopted the survey design using the questionnaire as the research instrument. The study addressed three research questions. The findings revealed among others that mass media has a major role in mobilizing citizens for political elections. The study recommended that the masses should be much more involved in electoral processes to enhance good governance and a better democracy through network participation that is, through election call centers for complains.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Election is one of the most important pillars of democracy. Indeed, it is a necessary condition for democracy because it provides the medium for the expression of the core principles and purposes of democracy such as the sovereignty of the citizens; freedom, choice and accountability of political leaders. In order to serve these purposes of democracy, elections must be free and fair. The notion of free and fair election expresses several conditions, including absence of manipulation, violence and fraud as well as impartiality of election management authority and effective participation by the electorate at all stages of the electoral process. An electoral process involves different stages at which decisions are made and activities are undertaken. The stages include enactment of electoral laws; establishing electoral management authority and appointing its officials; constituency delineation; party formation and registration, voter registration; nomination of candidates and campaigns; procurement of relevant services and materials; determination of polling centres and provision of polling booths; polling, counting and declaration of results, and determination of election petitions. At all these levels, there must be transparency, fairness, and unhindered participation by every eligible person and group. Any government that emerges from any election that is not free and fair cannot be the true choices of the electorate and therefore represents the usurpation of the sovereignty of the citizens.