EC to set-up poll complaints unit, MoUs to be inked with top social media platforms for hate speech monitoring

The Elections Commission (EC) will set-up an 'Election Complaint Management Unit' to act upon election law violation cases in line with the Presidential elections, a commission official said adding that social media too would come under close scrutiny this year.

Assistant Elections Commissioner, Suranga Ranasinghe, who heads the Dispute Resolution Unit of the EC, told Times Online that the unit would comprise of five individuals including four elections commission officers and a police officer.

He added that 25 sub-units would be set-up at district levels involving the District Secretary, and an Assistant or Deputy Elections Commissioner. This would be in addition to regional level units which will also be in operation during the run-up to the polls.

Meanwhile, the EC will sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)s with major social media companies seeking to provide a dedicated service in monitoring hate speech and fake news on their respective platforms, Mr. Ranasinghe noted.

"Generally we deal with issues pertaining to the illegal display of posters and banners supporting candidates. However, social media is one major aspect that we need to look into this year," he emphasized.

Some of the social media companies with whom the MoUs would be signed include Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram, the Assistant Elections Commissioner noted.