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.

This comes as two prominent media houses have had fake pages set up under their names on social media, with fake news being reported on these sites.

MIDA chair, Ashwin Raj says serious penal liabilities will apply to those that are caught posting fake news during this 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 FEO should they come across such fake posts.