MCM 401 Assignment

PUBLIC RELATION (MCM 401)

18/20

Well done!

Spring 2016

Assignment No. 1

Total Marks: 20

Task: 

Suppose you are a public relations officer in the election commission of Pakistan. Your task is to plan a public relations campaign to encourage the youth and women’s to cast their vote in the upcoming elections.

  

Keep in mind the following points while designing the PR campaign:

  

1.         What will be your objectives? (Marks: 3)

Objective

Ø  To promote the good image, awareness, ideas or political issue in respect of voters turn out in country among the youth and women’s to cost their voted in the upcoming elections.

Ø  To assist government and its public to express opinions and articulated their views.

Ø  To ensure accurate, impartial objective and balance news in the upcoming general election

Ø  To encounter the argument of those with an insincere opposing views about the role of public relation officer and political issues related election specially among the youth and women  in the conduction of election

Ø  To ensure how effectively it has been carrying out its function in conducting a peaceful election in country

2.         What type of media & techniques will you use? (Marks: 3)

Media & Techniques

Ø  Use of paid media Newspaper, Radio, Television, Printed Material, House Journal, free media for marketing and for dialogue with voters. Facebook as a primary platform and Twitter as more continuous dialogue

Ø  Internet is now core element of modern political campaign, communication technologies such as email, websites and podcast for various form of activism to enable faster communication by citizen movement and deliver a message to a long audience

Ø  Social media and New channel to engage voters, recruit campaign, volunteers and raising of campaign fund

Ø  Holding rallies and other similar public event (if enough and people can be persuaded to come). It may be very effected campaign technique

Ø  Writing directly to member of public

Ø  By distributing leaflets

Ø  Organizing political house parties

Ø  Using endorsement of other celebrated party member to boost

Ø  Remaining close to or at home for encouragement

3.         Will Social Media be beneficial and applicable in Pakistani context? (Marks: 2)

Ø  Social media is of course beneficial and applicable in Pakistani context because Social Media had a commendable performance in creating and understanding of public opinions and strengthening of society. Social Media is sword arm of democracy. It acts watchdog to protect public interest against malpractice and create public awareness. Media is just like a “mirror” of the modern society, infect it is the media which shape our lives. Media is in charge of information, education, entertainment, advertising and correlation of parts of society.

4.         What will be the Motto of your campaign? (Marks: 3)

Ø  If you don’t vote, you lose the right to complain.

Ø  When you skip Voting, it’s not rebellion, it’s surrender

Ø  Voting is the most precious right of every citizen, and we have a moral obligation to ensure the integrity of our voting process

5.         What are the Problems and your proposed solution? (Marks: 4)

Ø  During PR Campaign the problem of youth and women voters who reported for not voting was the lack of information campaign issues and parties positions; did not like candidates/parties/campaign, felt voting would not make a difference because of corruption among the political leaders and political system. According to youth voter opinions, no change occur for casting of their vote until corruption free democracy and transparent electoral system in not implemented in the country. Biometric Electoral system is required for transparent election. Some were not interested in politics, indicated that they could not vote because they are too busy. In almost some of the cases, non-voters cited everyday life or health reason for not casting their votes. During the campaign some people identified problems related to the electoral process as the cause for not voting. This includes problems such as not being able to prove one’s identity or address, or not being on the voter list, transportation problem / polling station too far, lack of information about the voting process; line were too long; issued with the voter information card. Low literacy rate is also a problem for not being casting of vote by the people. Problem regarding women was observed that most of the women were not allowed to cast their votes even some of cases were such as people not think of sending female to school also. They are not aware about the significance of casting their vote.

Ø  Keeping in view of these problems, solution of subject is that, first of all awareness, knowledge and understanding is required regarding the importance of every individual voter in the electoral system. Every individual must know the value and cost of his vote. Secondly, Corruption free and rigging free election must be held in the country via transparent biometric electoral system. Otherwise people will not be able to elect the political leader of their own interest and choice. Lot of improvements is required in electoral process. Government should make polices and take steps to facilitate the people to cast their vote easily and without any résistance or hurdles. Moreover, motivation is required to the nation related casting and value of votes of women. Media can play a vital role in this regard.

  

6.         Evaluation (Marks: 2)

Ø A Pre-Election Voter Awareness Campaign is aimed to create understanding and knowledge about the significance of their participation in the electoral procedures even as voters or political leader; the way of participation; the method to become suitable for voting and to literally cast their vote; the ways to evaluate the poll-effectiveness of a candidate. The goal of a Pre-Election Voter Awareness Campaign is to develop an environment for free, fair and transparent elections, and to encourage in particular, the participation of marginalized groups such as women, the minorities, special ethnic communities and the poor.

7.         A brief analysis of the Campaign. (Marks: 3)

Ø  A genuine democracy is required in the country. Free, transparent election system is required which can be implemented only through biometric system. Hope there will be big change occur if such electoral system inducted in county. A trustworthy atmosphere will develop among the voters and almost turnaround of voter will be increase. Political leader should play their role to serve the people in their political domain. There should be no corruption in political department and no rigging in the electoral system.