Don’t Use Social Media to Spread Lies, Misinform, says President
All Fijians are urged not to use social media as a weapon to spread lies and to misinform the public leading up to the 2018 General Election.
President Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote also said the elections would be held in a transparent manner with accountability on part with international standards.
Despite differences Fijians have them, he said the bonds of nationhood and common citizenry must always triumph.
“That election represents a crossroad; and the path we choose will define the future for our children, their children and their children after them,” he said.
Because elections shape more than the next four years, they can shape the direction of the country for decades to come,
This is by either laying a foundation for our long term success or by bringing consequences that ripple for generations into the future.
“So the importance of our elections cannot be overstated and as was the case in 2014,” the President said.
“Our election will be held in a transparent manner and to the highest international standards.
“It is a time for truth, not for lies that damage our economy and degrade our unity; the very fabric of our national life.
“Because regardless of whatever political differences exist among us, the bonds of nationhood and common citizenry must always triumph.
“We cannot allow social media platforms to be used as a weapon to spread lies and misinformation.
“We must think carefully about what we are seeing and reading and call out lies when we see them for the benefit of our democracy and our fellow Fijians.”
Mr Konrote said it was now time to listen to all positions of the different political parties on what they have to offer in Fiji’s progression if they get elected into power.
“It is a time for all of us to make our voices heard by voting for the political party we believe is best suited to take Fiji forward; based on their record, based on the promises they have made and on their ability to deliver on those promises for the Fijian people,” he said.
“There will be many disagreements and debates in the coming weeks.
“But, I know we can agree that Fiji’s success in recent years is owed to the fact that Fijians are finally participating equally in our nation’s progress, and benefitting equally from our national prosperity.
“We are moving forward, together. We are making history, together. We are leading the world to solve great challenges, together.
“And we are driving the next Fijian century of exceptionalism and achievement, together. And only, together, can our success continue,” he said.
The General Election will be held on November 14.
The march to Subrail Park
More than 7000 Fijians braved the wet conditions and marched from Labasa Town to Subrail Park.
Labasa Town was filled with a sea of blue as civil servants, students and members of the general public came out to witness the Fiji Police Force band lead the march from Y-Corner through the main street to Subrail Park.
Edited by Percy Kean
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