The Media Industry Development Authority is urging members of the public to refrain from posting fake news in relation to the elections on the social media under the pretext of a legitimate media organization during the 48 hour black out period.
Chairperson Ashwin Raj says serious penal liabilities will apply to those that are caught posting fake news during this period with the intent to either campaign for or malign or impugn political parties and candidates during the black out period.
He says the intention of the 48 hour black out period is to give voters reprieve so that they can cast their votes without undue pressure and influence.
MIDA is calling on members of the public, mainstream media as well as political parties and candidates to exercise vigilance and report immediately to MIDA or Fijian Elections Office should they come across such fake posts.
The 48 hour campaign blackout will begin at midnight tonight.
This means that there is to be no more political campaigns, campaign advertisements, political rallies, banners, posters, billboards or media reports.
The Fijian Elections Office says that information on the 48 hours campaign blackout period is clearly outlined in the Electoral Act.
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