International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Democracy is a system of government in which the people of a country can vote to elect their representatives and are involved in making decisions about its affairs, typically by voting to elect representatives to a parliament or similar assembly. Closely associated with constitutional democracy is a healthy civic space. Civic space is referred to as the enabling political, social, and legal environment that allows organisations and individuals to operate freely.
Objective: This study assessed the performance of Nigerian mass media in promoting constitutional democracy and civic space in south-east, Nigeria. Methods: The study adopted the survey design, using questionnaire to collect data from 385 respondents via multi-stage sampling. Results: The study found that the Nigerian mass media have played vital roles in promoting democracy through enlightenment and mobilisation.
Conclusion: The continued existence of the media is critical for the establishment and development of legitimate democratic practice.
Unique Contribution: This study has offered a fresh understanding on how the mass media stand in discharging their constitutional duties, without fear or favour, at this point of fledgling democracy, shrinking civic space and serious interference from government and other quarters. So, this paper will be useful in contributing to the existing literature on the ability of the mass media to promote and sustain constitutional democracy and healthy civic space in Nigeria.
Key Recommendation: The mass media must at all times ensure that they discharge their duties objectively, in all fairness and unbiased.