Electoral Engagement Patterns and Voters Professions in Pakistan General Elections 2013: Influence of Interpersonal Communication and Media
Abstract
This study measures how profession of voters affects their voting behaviour besides analysing the impact of interpersonal communication (IPC) and mass media on the electors belonging to various professions during General Elections 2013 in Punjab, Pakistan.A survey was conducted across Punjab to collect data from 18 districts of the province with sample size (n=1704) by applying the multi-stage cluster sampling technique to reach the respondents. Data was analyzed using the factor analysis and logistic regression analysis techniques. The study results revealed that self-employed persons of businessmen had the highest ratio to vote in the general elections as compared to other professions. Students, private employees, unemployed voters, laborers and housewives were significantly influenced by interpersonal communication for their vote decisions. Electronic media impacted positively to the shopkeepers. Overall, this study, concludes that IPC and electronic media played significant role to influence voters belonging to various professions in GE 2013 in Punjab, Pakistan.
Authors
Dr. Muhammad Shabbir Sarwar
Assistant Professor, Institute of Communication Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Dr. Imran Muslim
Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication, Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Hafiz Muhammad Muddser
Lecturer, Department of Mass Communication, Riphah International University Faisalabad Campus, Punjab, Pakistan