Fake prophets, fake pollsters, biased journalists, and political media houses can greatly impact the outcome of an election. They do this by providing false hope to presidential candidates, which can lead to poor decision-making and ultimately, defeat.
One way they provide false hope is by CONFIRMING BIASES. During elections, voters tend to believe news that confirms their existing beliefs. Fake prophets and biased journalists take advantage of this by spreading false or misleading information that aligns with the candidate's beliefs.
Another way is through MANIPULATION OF RESULTS. Fake pollsters can create the illusion that a candidate is performing better than they actually are by skewing data or presenting it in a misleading way. Biased journalists may report on these manipulated polls, amplifying the false narrative.
SELECTIVE REPORTING is also a tactic used by biased journalists and political media houses. They focus on positive stories or polls that favor the candidate while ignoring or downplaying negative ones. This creates an unrealistic image of the candidate's chances.
Fake prophets and biased journalists also use EMOTIONAL MANIPULATION to create a false sense of hope. They use emotive language or appeal to a candidate's emotions, creating a sense of urgency or optimism not grounded in reality.
Lastly, biased journalists and political media houses engage in PARTISAN REPORTING; openly advocating for a particular candidate or party. While not overtly false, this can create a misleading narrative that gives a candidate false hope.
The 2024 Ghanaian presidential election is a prime example. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) conceded defeat to John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). People who gave Bawumia false hope included biased journalists and media houses, self-acclaimed prophets, and failed pollsters.
These individuals created a perfect storm that led to Bawumia's downfall. By surrounding himself with yes-men and relying on flawed projections, Bawumia failed to grasp the reality of the situation. In contrast, John Mahama's campaign was marked by a nuanced understanding of the electorate.
As Ghana moves forward, it's essential to recognize the importance of objective analysis and nuanced understanding. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of false hope and work towards a more informed and engaged citizenry.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0