Usage of social media in the process of election campaigns and a view to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus general elections – 28 July 2013

Abstract

Policy, based on control mechanism the regular living of community, reached different dimensions in today’s communication conditions. It is not possible to sever the policy from communication. This situation took yet more different turn by diversifying of means of communication. The person or institutions, are in touch with political communication, benefit from various communication methods for be able to manage the perceptions of the mass be able to do behavioral change upon own request and be able to affect the target groups. “Election Campaigns” are one of the first constituents come to mind when you say political communication. It is also important “what you tell” a “how you tell” to target group in communication. Management methods of the political communication, underwent change on several counts along with the introduction of internet technology to our lives. Policy, became digital by the system named as “Social Media”, makes possible interactive, open bilateral communication process. Being the social media faster and cheaper than traditional means of communication and using the social media densely by electorate, gain the upper hand to political parties in the executive process the election campaigns. In the 2013TurkishRepublicof NorthernCyprusSocial media strategies of National Unity Party and Republican Turkish Party-Joint Forces, which are two parties playing an active role in country government, were examined general elections process. By results of examination, viewpoint to social media of National Unity Party was shaped with in the frame of unilateral communication strategy and it was occurred cyclically and void of a distinct strategy. In contrast to National Unity Party, viewpoint to social media of Republican Turkish Party-Joint Forces is long-termed and integrated with traditional communication workings.