Increase in Social Media Smear Campaigns Threatens Free and Fair 2024 Sri Lankan Presidential Election
The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) has expressed concern over a sharp rise in smear campaigns targeting candidates and political parties during the 2024 Sri Lankan presidential election, especially through social media platforms. According to observations made by Manas Makeen, Executive Director of CaFFE, this surge in negative campaigns marks a significant increase compared to the 2019 election.
CaFFE’s election monitors revealed that hate speech, fake news, and misinformation are being circulated across social media platforms, notably targeting five presidential candidates. Makeen warned that these activities not only undermine the principles of a free and fair election but also threaten to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election process.
In addition, CaFFE has received 675 complaints related to the 2024 presidential election. According to Makeen, the majority of these complaints involve violations of election laws, further emphasizing the challenges to ensuring a fair electoral environment.
Smear campaigns have been particularly rampant in WhatsApp and Facebook groups, where inflammatory posts and videos aimed at discrediting political figures are shared. As these groups often consist of members with differing political views, there is concern that such content could lead to verbal confrontations and escalate into real-world violence.
Makeen urged the public to avoid spreading harmful content that could hinder the election’s integrity, stressing the importance of responsible behavior online to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Since its establishment in 2008, CaFFE has worked to monitor elections and uphold democratic norms in Sri Lanka, representing a broad coalition of civil society members, religious groups, trade unions, political parties, and opinion leaders. The organization continues to play a critical role in safeguarding the fairness of elections in the country. (LankaXpress.com)
