Social media shows election day muscle

Illustrating a rapidly changing information network in Cambodia, social media played a major role yesterday, as images and videos that appeared to depict fraudulent election activity went viral on Facebook and Twitter. Videos of voters washing off the supposedly indelible security ink used to identify those who have cast their ballots and alleged illegal Vietnamese voters being blocked at poll stations were two primary social media stories that surged across the internet. … Social media platforms and more than 1.5 million first-time voters have merged to create a very different political landscape, according to analysts. An estimated 9.6 million people were eligible to vote on July 28, with 3.5 million people between 18 and 30 years of age, making it the youngest Cambodian election in history. .. According to Koul Panha, executive director of election watchdog Comfrel, young voters using social media should keep seeking alternative news sources outside of party platforms. … Despite increasing cellular penetration in rural provinces and the ameliorating role of social media in spreading information, the government retains strict controls on radio, television and most print outlets. …  

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/social-media-shows-election-day-muscle