By Bedour Al-Hamad, KUNA,
Kuwait : Kuwaiti academics agree on importance of direct communication with voters, as a means of delivering their ideas during their campaigns, clarifying that seminars and regular visits to diwaniyas are the most effective.
On the occasion of the forecast parliamentary polls, Kuwait University Assistant General Secretary and Board Chairman of the Kuwaiti Public Relations Society, Bader AL-Mudairis told KUNA, “Each candidate has his own method in delivering his ideas to voters, usually through direct contact in diwaniyas.” He added, campaigners play an important role in gaining the support of voters, and that candidates should thoroughly study the voter’s needs and interests in his constituency in order to succeed, therefore a useful tool is a questionnaire or survey polls.
Al-Mudairis added, the majority of voters are well educated and well aware of candidates’ agenda.
Meanwhile, Kuwait University Professor in Sociology Dr. Ali Al-Zoabi agreed with Al-Mudairis’ views on the importance of “initial relations” between candidates and voters.
“Campaign work is known in Kuwait for its simplicity, and candidates depend on their families and friends in the campaign,” he said. Clarifying that candidates seek those skilled in art of persuasion, adding that several “indirect” communications tools, like television ads, internet and newspapers are mainly addressed to women and youth.
On the other hand, Dr. Nidhal Al-Musawai, profeesor of Sociology in KU, highlighted the importance of seminars and dialogue between the two sides, calling upon candidates to increase such activities.
Dr. Mohammad AL-Boulushi, professor of Mass Communications in KU, also said that candidates have many options concerning campaigning for elections, like media tools consisting of television, radio, internet and newspapers, in addition to phone messages.