Smartphone Freedom Fuels Rise of Social Media in Myanmar Politics

Smartphone Freedom Fuels Rise of Social Media in Myanmar Politics
Myanmar Now

YANGON — Soon after polls closed in Myanmar’s November 8 elections, photos of the ink-stained fingers of proud voters were plastered across the country’s Facebook pages. Overnight, the “purple pinky”, used as a means to determine who had voted, became a badge of democratic honor.

The trend was symbolic of Myanmar's position at the convergence of rapidly expanding internet connectivity and growing political freedoms following dramatic top-down democratic reforms by the military elite.

The new political and online space is quickly being claimed by activists and politicians, who are using the growing popularity of social media to expand their influence. Political campaigning has evolved from door-knocking and stump speeches to the savvy use of social networks and messaging apps to reach voters.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1450240818


-- Khaosod English 2015-12-16