CAFFE concerned over misinformation on social media

CAFFE insists that such deliberate misinformation campaigns are extremely dangerous and that immediate steps be taken to address these concerns

It has been reported that an organised campaign is being carried out to mislead voters by posting false information on social media, the Campaign for Free and Fair Election (CAFFE) said.

Its director Surangi Ariyawansa said posting misleading and fake news on social media was a serious obstacle for a free and fair election.

“We hope to provide the information we have to the National Elections Commission (NEC), so that it can take immediate steps to stem this dangerous trend,” she said. Ms. Ariyawansa said the issue of fake news surfaced after Janasetha Peramuna presidential candidate the Ven. Baththaramulle Seelarathana Thera complained to CAFFE that some social media posts on his election manifesto were false.

The thera said in his complaint that these social media posts had been so wide-spread that now it was almost impossible for his party to inform the people of his party’s real policies.

“CAFFE insists that such deliberate misinformation campaigns are extremely dangerous and that immediate steps be taken to address these concerns,” Ms Ariyawansa said.

She said CAFFE had received 161 complaints with most of them being on election-related violations including the misuse of state property. Ven. Baththaramulle Seelarathana Thera complained to CAFFE that some social media posts on his election manifesto were false