Election propaganda activities by presidential candidates 142 incidents observed over social media - ITSSL

• ITSSL does not intend to stop postings of individuals as they consider that individuals have a right to express themselves

By Yohan Perera   

The Information Technology Society of Sri Lanka (ITSSL) yesterday said it had observed 142 election propaganda activities over social media, carried out by both the two main presidential candidates and others, since the closing of campaigns on Wednesday, November 13, 2019. 

The statement said propaganda activities have been carried out by the candidates through their official social media pages and through paid advertisements over social media.   
ITSSL President Rajeev Mathew told Daily Mirror that a complaint has been filed with the Commissioner of Elections on the matter. “We have informed the Commissioner of Elections on the matter and we hope that some action would be taken to control this situation,” he said.   However he said ITSSL does not intend to stop postings of individuals as they consider that individuals have a right to express themselves. “What we are concerned about is the advertisements and other paid form of propaganda,” he said. 

Propaganda activities have been carried out by the candidates through  their official social media pages and through paid advertisements over  social media