Fiji's media and the general public have been reminded that the heavy penalties for breaching the electoral decree this week also apply to social media.
The Fiji Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, with the Chairman of the Media Industry Development Authority, Ashwin Raj. Photo: RNZ / Philippa Tolley
Ahead of Wednesday's poll, there is a blackout in force on all political activity and reporting on campaigns.
No signs or banners are allowed and the media can only cover the process of the election itself.
The Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, says people in Fiji using social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter need to respect the blackout as well, or face the consequences.
"I believe it's up to a fine of $50,000, or up to a term of imprisonment that is 10 years, or both. So it's not directly 50,000, it depends on the court at its discretion. To the editor, publisher or owner of the media organisation or as the case may be, conviction up to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years."
The Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem.
