News

No posting on social media during 48 hour blackout

November 8, 2018 6:20 pm

Posting and sharing political party posts and campaigning on social media during the 48 hours black out period is prohibited.

This includes no emails, private messages or even phone calls to influence anyone on their vote.

Section 63 of the Electoral Act stipulates the campaigning restrictions prior to and during polling day.

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Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem says only political party websites will be allowed to have campaign materials.

” If you share any political message at that time that is tantamount to campaigning. In fact campaigning is, giving out information. This is where individuals have to be very careful. You can have your websites up and running with static. If you are using Facebook as a means of communication, that’s an interactive platform and that may breach the law.”

According to the Electoral Act, any person who contravenes this section commits an offence and will be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $50,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 10 years, or to both.

The 48 hours campaign blackout is from midnight Sunday the 11th of November to midnight Tuesday 13th November.