Communicating with Voters in Social Networks: The Case of 2011 Presidential Elections in Kyrgyzstan

Elira TURDUBAEVA

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.