Abstract
This study focuses on the ‘mirror model’ role of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in election coverage with specific reference to press coverage of selected presidential elections in Nigeria. The study notes that the mass media are indispensable tools in the political process as a result of the fact that their involvement in election coverage enables the citizenry to have timely information about pre-election campaign and related activities, the election as well as post-election political developments. While noting that timely information is necessary at every stage of the political process, the study noted that the ability of the press to offer such information is hamstrung by the non-availability of the state-or-the-art technology necessary for prompt dissemination, especially, on the part of the electoral umpire. Using the historical method and Key Informant Interview as well as cybernetics theory, the study found out that the delay in prompt release of the final results of presidential elections in Nigeria was due to non-application of the state-of-the art technology and consequently recommended upgrading of all equipment used by the electoral umpire in the conduct of future elections in the country.
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