Maika Bolatiki
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces is concerned with the lies being spread by certain aspiring candidates for the 2018 General Elections through social media.
Speaking to ‘Fiji Sun’ while crossing the Somosomo Strait on his way to Taveuni to a prefect induction ceremony, RFMF Commander Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto said that social media could play a vital role in the dissemination of information especially in preparation for polls.
But many posts shared on social media were rumours about unruly behaviour, he said.
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces has come down hard on social media posts that are trying to discredit the electoral process.
No credence
Rear Admiral Naupoto said that people do not need to trust information that is posted, shared or tweeted on social media; on rumours about unruly behaviour that is expected during the upcoming general election.
The people involved should instead thank the Fijian Elections Office, especially the Supervisor of Elections for the preparations that had been made for the 2018 general elections.
“They should stop spreading lies and tell the truth,” Rear Admiral Naupoto said.
Peace and stability assured
He assured the nation that there would be no instability and the Fiji Police Force would take the lead role in ensuring public safety. He said that the military would only be involved if the Commissioner of Police made a request to them.
A Government release had specifically said that Republic of Fiji Military Forces which is made up of the Army and the Navy are responsible for defence, internal security, international peacekeeping duties, nation building, youth training and infrastructure development in rural areas, protection of Fiji’s 1,290,000 square kilometers EEZ, support operations during disasters, emergencies and maritime research and rescue.
Police in force
The Fiji Police Force is responsible for the maintenance of law and order, preservation of peace, protection of life and property, the prevention and detection of crime and the enforcement of all laws for which it is responsible.
Rear Admiral Naupoto said that the country is preparing well in the build-up to the elections and the military will ensure it is uninterrupted.
“We are out here behind the Police and should people decide otherwise but I hope that the current peace prevails right up to elections. We should be able to cast our vote in a peaceful atmosphere and wait for the result and also accept the result as it comes,” he said.
The above Report has been published under a Special Agreement with ‘Fiji Sun.’
Photo Caption:
Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto (Picture Courtesy: Fiji TV
