Saneem Warns Of Social Media Attacks
Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem has warned Fijian Elections Office staff to expect that things will get ‘nasty' in the lead up to the General Election.
His comments come after his family was threatened in a fake Facebook account.
“I told my family to be prepared for this, and I've also told my staff and their families to be prepared for this as well.
"If someone can write to my brother and say, we are going to challenge Saneem's career by writing about you people – I think in Fiji it's going to get nasty.”
Mr Saneem was speaking at a training session for Elections Office staff and media personnel in Suva yesterday.
Mr Saneem said those making threats to his family uploaded screenshots and alleged that his brother had made certain statements about him.
“My brother himself had to go to that page and told them to take it down.
“But the point is, they sent threatening remarks and threatening messages to my family and said, “If your brother wants to keep his career, he needs to stay in line.” But Mr Saneem assured that on election day, fake Facebook and social media account holders cannot vote.
“I can guarantee you on election-day – fake profiles can't vote.
“So those with fake profiles, wanting to make statements and even targeting journalists these days – don't worry, bring your fake profile, but you will not be on the voters list.”
Unlike previous elections, social media will play a big role in this year's campaign and coverage.
Educate young people, explore with them values, attitudes and beliefs that shape their actions in positive, and they will be our moral compass.Equip them with skills and provide them with decent work, and they will be our custodians of sustainable development and social justice. Baroness Patricia Scotland QC. Secretary-General of the Commonwealth