March 24, 2004
Cellphones Play Important Role in Upcoming Indian Elections
A well written article from Voice of America on how cellphones are playing an important role in the upcoming Indian elections.
"Across India, tens of thousands of people have recently answered their cellphones and heard a surprising voice. It is Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, wishing them well and discussing the achievements he has made during the past 5 years in office.
That pre-recorded 60 second message is part of what the prime minister's Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP, calls its "e-campaign" -- using the latest in technology to reach millions of Indian voters. India is holding a national parliamentary election with four voting days staggered in April and May.
The e-campaign is not limited to voice messages. The BJP is also using text messages, called "short message service," or SMS, to reach out to voters.
[...] One text message, which almost rhymes in Hindi, plays upon the BJP logo -- a lotus flower, which will appear on the ballot. "The goal is Atal," it says, using the prime minister's first name, "Vote lotus."
The BJP also sends text messages of its logo which can be saved as cellphone wallpaper. If that is not enough, supporters can also download a special ring tone of a BJP election song. There will also be pop-up ads on popular Indian web pages".
Related articles
-- India: SMS wins the elections hands down
-- Internet, SMS Used Heavily in Campaigns Around the World
-- Get Ready for Mobile Spam During Indian Elections
-- SMS could be the politician's new poll brahmastra
-- Political slogans sent out by SMS
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