As the JEA’s Code of Conduct makes clear, candidates and their supporters should not “share false or misleading information about the election, candidates or any group or body associated with the election.” This applies to all means of communication.
The JEA is aware that there are some persons who are commenting online without respecting this requirement.
The JEA has received complaints, and is reviewing various websites and social media sources, in which openly misleading information is being spread, including under website names that are themselves causing confusion.
This misinformation also includes attacks on individuals, and claims about those individuals that are untrue and/or menacing in character.
Misleading information can become a poison to our Island electoral process. It is neither clever, nor funny, nor an aid to any elector or candidate. It threatens to diminish the whole process of elections.
Individuals who post message or other matter that could be viewed as indecent, obscene or menacing by a reasonable member of the public may be referred to the police.
It is open to those about whom untruths have been stated to seek advice regarding civil law remedies.
The JEA encourages all who read such posts online to be careful in believing what is written. We all have to exercise care online, especially when the source is uncertain and where the primary purpose of the post is to shock or abuse another person, party or cause.
The JEA finally recalls to all the purpose of the campaign period – that all Islanders have the opportunity to learn about the candidates’ views and plans for the future, and that there is an open and robust debate grounded in truth.
There are many good ways to encourage voters to vote, as we are seeing through much of the campaigning, at the hustings and across the media.
Those who perpetrate falsehoods are not acting in the best interests of Islanders and are ultimately harming the democratic process.