The candidates, especially of the three major political parties of the UCPN (Maoist), Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML, have not only asked for votes via Facebook but also used it as a podium to explain to the voters why they should win the election, the bases of their victory and their party"s policies and programs.[break]
UCPN (Maoist) candidate Saral Yatri of constituency number 1 of Sindhupalchowk, wrote on Facebook page, “Candidates Agni Sapkota, Bil Bahadur Rayamajhi and myself from constituencies 2, 3 and 1 respectively have filed nominations with much fanfare at the district headquarters, Chautara.”
Yatri had used Facebook to disseminate news about his candidacy, few hours after filing nomination at the Sindhupalchowk District Election Office. “Cadres" zeal is slowing turning into eagerness which, I believe, will ultimately result in our victory,” he wrote updating his status.
Familiar with the power of social media, former President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Taranath Dahal posted on his Facebook page, “I am on board of the Constituent Assembly election. I am confident that the people of constituency number 3 of Sindhupalchowk will count on me and trust me with the important national responsibility.´ Around 525 Facebook users had liked this status while 335 people had commented on it.
This is only the tip of the iceberg. If we look at the Facebook status of those candidates who have already geared up for the polls, we can find their Facebook status filled with electoral campaigns, replacing the old methods of using flyers and posters for the purpose.
With immediate feedback, twitter and Facebook have become effective means for disseminating news, besides creating and shaping opinions.
“I am ready to survive on nettle but will cast my vote for the UML,” Sher Bahadur Tamang, a candidate from the party, shared his status. ´I believe that all the voters will have a crucial role to elect all the UML candidates to the next Constituent Assembly.´
With the development of science and technology, social media platforms have become effective means for politicians to garner support in the run up to the crucial election.
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