Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
21 March, 2026, 11:08 am
Central - 29°C Rain
21 March, 2026, 11:08 am Central - 29°C Rain

Whirlwind of misinformation sows distrust ahead of US election day

Whirlwind of misinformation sows distrust ahead of US election day

By Vijay Narayan
04/11/2024
Photo:BBC

Rumours, misleading allegations and outright lies about voting and fraud are flooding online spaces in unprecedented numbers in advance of the US election.

Hundreds of incidents involving purported voting irregularities are being collected and spread by individuals, as well as both independent and Republican-affiliated groups.

A small number of posts are also coming from Democrats.

The US government has also alleged that foreign actors, including Russia, are spreading fake videos to undermine confidence in the electoral process.

The whirlwind of misinformation spreading online poses a challenge to election officials who are having to debunk rumours and reassure voters, while preparing to administer election day on Wednesday.

Many posts alleging election irregularities support the Trump campaign’s false claim that the former president won the 2020 election and suggestions that he will potentially be cheated out of victory again on Wednesday.

When asked whether he will accept the 2024 election result, Donald Trump said during the presidential debate in September that he would if it was a "fair and legal and good election".

A majority of Americans - 70% - expect him to reject the result if he loses, according to a CNN/SSRS poll released Monday.

Just this week, Trump himself claimed widespread fraud in a key swing state.

The allegation followed officials in three Pennsylvania counties saying they were working with local law enforcement to investigate some voter registration applications for potential fraud.

While Trump and allies seized on the announcements, the state's top election official, Republican Al Schmidt, has urged caution and warned voters to be aware of "half-truths" and disinformation circulating on social media.

The BBC has seen hundreds of allegations of election fraud online, on social networks and on message boards and in chat groups.

Some of these posts have been viewed millions of times each.

The posts have implied it's easy for non-citizens to vote, made false claims about voting machines and sowed distrust in the ballot-counting process.

One video claimed to show recently-arrived Haitians voting in Georgia.

The BBC has found clear indications, including false addresses and stock photos, which indicate the video is a fake.

On Friday US security officials said it was made by "Russian influence actors".

Source : BBC

FEATURE NEWS
Eid to be celebrated today
Muslims in Fiji are celebrating Eid today as the Fiji Muslim League confirmed that the moon was sighted last night. Eid marks the end of a month of f...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
BTS Comeback Show to air on Netflix at 11pm
K-pop supergroup BTS released their first new music last night since completing mandatory military service, marking a highly anticipated return for ...
1 hour ago

Eid calls us to look beyond ourselves and support those in need - NFP
As we mark Eid, we are reminded of the enduring values of compassion, humility, sacrifice and justice.This has been highlighted by the National ...
1 hour ago

Eid to be celebrated today
Muslims in Fiji are celebrating Eid today as the Fiji Muslim League confirmed that the moon was sighted last night. Eid marks the end of a month of ...
2 hours ago

Tarakinikinis front Truth and Reconciliation Commission talking about reflection, trauma, resilience, and national healing
If Fiji is to move forward, the country must confront its history honestly, acknowledge the suffering experienced across communities, and commit to ...
3 hours ago

FCCC investigating trader over suspected fuel hoarding
The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission is investigating a trader on suspicion of hoarding fuel. FCCC says this was identified during their ...
3 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Sports Council Saga: Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
15 days ago

National Talanoa Session on Illicit Drugs in Fiji: 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025
The illicit drug situation in Fiji has been described as a national emergency, with 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025. Minister for Policing ...
22 days ago

Charlie Charters held at Nadi Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file
Fijian national, Charlie Charters is being held at immigration at Nadi International Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file.fijivillage News has ...
22 days ago

TOP