Ministers warn fake news offenders ahead of 2026 election

Two Cabinet ministers have warned that people spreading fake news ahead of Fiji’s 2026 General Election could face legal action.

Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya confirmed yesterday that Meta had shut down two Facebook accounts accused of targeting individuals with false information.

Ms Tabuya named the accounts Alexandra Forwood and Ratu Ilaisa Sema among those removed by Meta — the company that owns Facebook — following complaints lodged through official channels.

“Pages like Ratu Ilaisa Sema as well as Alexandra Forwood that have been shut down by Meta, that is the proper process to follow,” Ms Tabuya said.

She urged members of the public who encounter fake news online to report it to the Online Safety Commission and the Cybercrime Unit of the Fiji Police Force.

“My warning to those that try to create fake accounts or have fake aliases — you will be stopped and the law will come after you,” she said.

Ms Tabuya also reminded Fijians that spreading false information could cause serious harm, including mental health impacts on those targeted.

Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua echoed the warning, calling for caution as the country moves closer to the election period.

“We need to understand there’s a space now we’re moving into and we emphasise the importance of keeping it more peaceful,” Mr Naivalurua said.

“Sometimes when we say the wrong things in the wrong places, it does not bring peace.”

The Online Safety Commission and the Fijian Elections Office have signed a partnership agreement to monitor harmful online content and combat misinformation ahead of the 2026 General Election.