As Fiji enters an election cycle, there is an urgent need to prevent misinformation and disinformation from illicitly shaping voter behaviour or undermining trust in institutions.
This has been highlighted by Dialogue Fiji Executive Director Nilesh Lal during the Digital Media Literacy Training held at the Holiday Inn in Suva.
Lal says while digital platforms have significantly enhanced civic participation and political discourse, they have also been used globally to manipulate narratives, influence electoral outcomes and deepen social divisions.
He cautions that Fiji is not immune to these risks, particularly given the country’s fragile social cohesion.
Lal says a country like Fiji, where social cohesion remains fragile, we must ensure that digital interaction strengthens unity rather than destroys it.
He stressed that as the nation moves into an election period, safeguards must be strengthened to ensure online spaces are not abused to spread false or misleading information that could erode public confidence in democratic institutions.
Lal is also calling for open and honest discussion on Fiji’s legal and regulatory framework governing online expression, raising concerns about several existing provisions.
He highlighted Section 24 of the Online Safety Act, Section 144 of the Electoral Act and Section 15 of the Public Order Act, noting that while protecting citizens from online harm is essential, broadly defined legal provisions carry the risk of selective prosecution and could stifle legitimate political expression and dissent.
Lal says digital literacy must therefore go beyond technical skills and include awareness of rights, responsibilities and the broader democratic implications of online engagement.
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