Wednesday, 22 June 2016

DOES BEAUTY MATTER IN POLITICS?





By Adow Jubat – Senior Writer/Communication consultant


Two female candidates are causing a political storm in the social sphere and among voters in far-flung villages since they have thrown their towel into the county political ring in Northeastern region. 


The two youthful ladies - Fatuma Kinsi Abass and Nimo Omar Hajji has attracted historical electrified talks and attentions, that is unforeseen in the region since they declared their interest for Garissa and Wajir counties woman rep seats respectively.

                     Fatuma Kinsi - Garissa


The twin ladies, both philanthropists by their own special ways seem to enjoy a rare popularity with vote’s rich groups: youth, women and the less privileged section of the community. 


But the question in many people lips is why are the two ladies becoming an instant hit with the prospective votes? The answer to this question can be explained by scientific theories.

                               Nimo Omar - Wajir



Scientists had previously theorized that the general preference for attractive leaders was just another example of a “halo effect.” In other words, we attribute all kinds of positive characteristics to attractive people, and this tendency leads to more votes for politicians who look like Hollywood stars.


Does politicians' looks affect voters’ perception of their abilities to lead? Research from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., says politicians' facial images are a great factor in how voters cast their votes.

The study called "The Political Gender Gap: Gender Bias in Facial Inference that Predict Voting Behavior," asked 73 participants -- 38 women and 35 men -- to rate the faces of Congressional candidates from the 2006 election. 


Participants were given a headshot of each candidate. They then had one second to decide how competent, attractive, approachable and dominant the candidate seemed, based on the photograph. The participant also had to note which candidate they would vote for in a theoretical presidential election.

The results showed that male politicians' faces were rated as more competent and dominant, whereas female politicians' faces were more attractive and approachable. The study also found that competence alone will not give women the upper hand when it comes voting time. Women are expected to be attractive, as well. For male candidates, competence is enough.



Another study led by Professor Rosenberg, indicated that candidates could exert some control over the appearance factor. Researchers first recruited 210 volunteers to rate head-and-shoulder shots of hundreds of women in terms of how “able looking” they were. 


From these ratings they determined that certain factors contributed to this appearance: for example, eyes with more curvature on the top than the bottom; hair that is short and parted on the side or combed back; a hairline that comes to a slight widow’s peak; a broad or round face; and a smile.


These studies could explain why Kinsi and Nimo candidature has attracted huge following even before they seriously launched their campaigns for their respective seats. The two poses regal wide smiles and are disarmingly beauty.


In last general election a sample research conducted by Frontierleaks revealed that, an aspirant for Garissa county women rep got overwhelming supports from all corners of the county effortlessly due to her facial attraction. The candidate garnered superb votes courtesy of her good looking images in her campaign posters.

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