Public Perception of Hate Speech Use and its Effects on Voters’ Choice of Candidates during Elections
Terngu Iyorkyaa, Maria Agbenu Onyilo, Emmanuel Omula · 2021
The study was carried out to determine the influence of hate speech on voters? choice and the effect of such speech on aspirants. Using survey research method to elicit data with the sample size of 102 respondents, it was revealed that a candidate can still win election irrespective of hate speech. This is evident in Table 5 where 78% of respondents agreed so. It was further revealed that hate speech can, however, tarnish a candidate?s reputation and may even cause such candidate to lose election. Findings showed that people (respondents) do not support the use of hate speech. Based on these findings, it was concluded among others that hate speech has little or no effect on voters? choice of candidate. It was recommended among others that candidates should endeavour to carry out campaigns that are issue-based, rather than resorting to the use of hate speech.