| Abstract: |
This study was an evaluation of voter education strategy of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and voter awareness among residents of Rivers State. The study adopted the survey method. The sample size for the study was determined to be 400 using Taro Yamane sampling formula. The study adopted the purposive and multi stage cluster sampling techniques. Questionnaire was used to elicit information from registered voters of Phalga and Obio Akpor LGA, while interview guide was used to elicit information from INEC voter education staff. Four point likerts scale were used to analyse the instrument. The study found that in conducting voter awareness campaigns, INEC makes use of the radio, television, town hall meeting, stakeholder engagement, local town criers, market outreaches and new media (social media). And the basic content of the messages are information about basic voting directives, election dates, anti-rigging/one-man-one-vote, anti-violence, directives about security consciousness. The study concludes that INEC voter education strategy has enabled voter mobilization, sensitization and enlightenment of both the literate and the illiterate members of the society. INEC should embark on programmes that will better orient the electorates on the attitude to curb election vices and synergise with the media and other relevant bodies. |
