ANC hosts election debate on twitter
The ANC, has just announced on they will be hosting a debate on twitter live today. Between 12-1pm South African time. You can follow their twitter account anc_debate. Questions will be fielded by Jessie Duarte.
When i heard the news, i complained to them that hosting the debate between 12-1 on a Friday would exclude muslims. Just like jewish people consider Saturdays holy and Christians sunday, muslims consider friday a holy day and all muslims are required to pray Jummah on a friday, which is usually between 12:30 and 1:30.
And i received a response within a few minutes:
Naeem, Raised a valid point however
And Jason felt it was too little too late
Yes, it may be too little too late and… it may exclude 99.9% of the population who are not on twitter. However lets be clear, this is a huge step. Why?
They are making an effort at real engagement, and not just getting up on the soap box. I would like to see what comes out of this.
The DA have also been making a huge effort in engaging with online audiences using the twitter profiles of Helen Zille.
This can only be good for South Africans with the parties making a real effort to engage.
Some thoughts of including the rest of the population without access to the net or twitter?
How about Fielding questions from people via SMS, responses are sent directly to the user as well as posted to the twitter profile and website.
Tagged as ANC, DA, Elections2009, South Africa + Categorized as Uncategorized
4 Comments
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It’s the most ridiculous idea I’ve heard. You’re saying this is a huge step because “they are making an effort at real engagement”. The point is, with whom? Not the majority of their supporters sitting at home, not knowing what the internet is, let alone Twitter. I don’t see this ‘publicity stunt’ getting them any new supporters. Do you honestly think they will make compelling arguments, say anything intelligent?
@nafisa , yes a large portion of the population has been left out. And yes, they may not be able to say anything ‘compelling’ however look at it this way, there is a direct means of communication. If something like this can be rolled out where everyone has access to it… think about the benefits?
If you could SMS the premier your district directly, or actually have a debate with them about issues faced in your area via twitter….