Communicating with voters in social networks: The case of 2011 presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

This study analyzes online electoral campaigns of candidates for 2011 Presidential Elections in Kyrgyzstan in order to explore interactivity - as a way for improving participation, information, and interest, and the relationships between civil society and parties - within the websites and social network accounts of the candidates. The election involved 19 candidates to the presidency. Total 13 websites, 5 Facebook accounts, 6 Twitter accounts and 4 Odnoklassniki of candidates were monitored during election campaign period of 25 September and 27 October 2011.