10/02/2024
By Barbara Bashabe

The Department of Political Science, Global Studies program, invites you to attend a doctoral dissertation proposal defense by Barbara Bashabe on “Digital Dynamics and Electoral Discourse: Analyzing Online Campaign Interactions and Their Implications in Uganda and Kenya."

Candidate Name: Barbara Bashabe
Defense Date: Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024
Time: Noon
Location: Dugan Hall, Room 204, South Campus

Committee:

  • Chair: Jenifer Whitten-Woodring, Ph.D., Dean, Honors College, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Angelica Duran-Martinez, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Director of Global Studies program, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Prof. Christoph Strobel, Ph.D., Professor, History, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Abstract:
Campaign discourse serves as a vital link between political candidates and voters, fundamentally shaping democratic participation. The digital transformation of media has significantly influenced political discourse, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where it has reshaped how politicians connect with the electorate. This dissertation explores the critical question: How do digital platforms, through the lens of electoral discourse, influence democratic processes and political stability in emerging democracies? Comprising three interrelated studies, this research investigates the intricate dynamics of online electoral campaigns and their broader political implications in Uganda and Kenya. The first study offers a comparative analysis of ethnic rhetoric in Kenya's 2017 and 2022 elections, examining its connection to electoral violence and potential unrest. The second study delves into Uganda's 2021 elections, exploring the civility of Facebook comments to reveal patterns of self-censorship or preference falsification under autocratic rule. The third study analyzes Facebook user engagement with campaign posts, providing insights into the broader electoral dynamics in Uganda. Together, these studies highlight the complex and often contradictory role that digital platforms play in shaping political landscapes, demonstrating that while social media can facilitate political engagement, it also mirrors deeper societal tensions.