The presence of PN and PL on Facebook : a look at the Facebook pages of the two major political parties in Malta

Abstract

This dissertation analysis the use of Facebook by the two major political parties in Malta, PN and PL. It particularly focuses on the two official Fan Pages of the parties; Partit Nazzjonalista and Partit Laburista PL- Fan Page Ufficjali. After reviewing the theories and concepts which surround Facebook political propaganda, the author looked at what is posted on these Facebook pages and how the support for the political parties grew, or decreased through Face book 'Likes'. The link between the support shown on this social media and the actual support the two parties enjoy was analysed. This was put into perspective of the election results. In-depth interviews with the party officials responsible for the Facebook pages were conducted. Also, an external view of the Facebook pages was provided by interviews conducted with two media critics. 'Post' frequency and type was recorded during two separate weeks, one in October and the other in March, just days before the Election date. An analysis of the two weeks and their comparison was also conducted as part of this dissertation.