Examining influence, limitations of online polls

In the contemporary digital landscape, online polls have increasingly gained prominence, with Global Info Analytics Polls emerging as a notable example. 

These polls have positioned John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a frontrunner, surpassing Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and other contenders.

Despite Global Info Analytics acknowledging the non-scientific nature of these polls, they have been extensively disseminated by major online news outlets, suggesting a significant impact on public perception.

However, the scientific rigour and methodological soundness of such online polls warrant critical examination.

The inherent limitations of online polling methods, particularly their vulnerability to manipulation and lack of robust sampling techniques, cast doubt on their reliability and validity as tools for accurately predicting political outcomes.

The ease with which political activists can disseminate these polls across social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook or Instagram, encouraging partisan voting, further undermine their representativeness.

The portrayal of the NDC's candidate in a favourable light, without substantial counter-narratives from other political entities such as the NPP, suggests a strategic attempt to influence the electorate's opinion and sway it towards a particular political direction.

In response to this, it is imperative for other political parties, like the NPP, to engage in proactive measures that counterbalance this narrative.

This could involve conducting their own regionally diverse polls or presenting data-driven arguments that challenge the assertions made by Global Info Analytics.

Such a strategy would not only provide a more balanced view of the political landscape, but also promote a more informed and critical electorate capable of discerning between scientifically robust polls and those with potential biases or methodological flaws.

While online polls play a role in shaping public opinion, their methodological limitations and potential for bias necessitate a cautious and critical approach from both the public and political entities. 

Isaac Ofori,
Human Rights Advocate,
PhD Student, University of Education, Winneba