Some ask: ‘Is there a double standard in political speech enforcement?’
As the political campaign season intensifies, questions are emerging about how political speech is policed and whether the standards are applied evenly.
Latrae Rahming, Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, cautioned social media users against using personal attacks online. Rahming emphasized that while healthy debate is important to democracy, freedom of expression does not give one license to target an individual’s character.
“I offer this strong recommendation, suggestion that, do not allow political actors to use you, to pay you to spread misinformation, whether it’s from the PLP, the FNM or the COI. Because when the day of judgment comes and you have to answer for your actions and consequences, those political parties won’t be there.
“Do not use social media to tear down others. The laws of the Bahamas are clear, and you could find yourself on the wrong side of it.” Rahming said.
His comments followed the arrest of a social media personality, bringing attention to the boundaries between political criticism, personal attacks, and criminal conduct.
Some have questioned whether the rules governing political expressions are evenly enforced.
“Hold on, wait. Doesn’t this administration have social media trolls that tear people down? Sherry More asked.
One poster Keesha said, “Practice what you preach,” highlighting the perceived double standards.
Rhonda Wilson added, “Lead by example.”
“Like I say, the Bahamas is becoming a communist country.” Scotty Daxon added.
Maria Russell joined the conversation. “I find it hypocritical to caution against personal attacks when the PLP itself has been known to employ so-called social media influencers, political contributors and paid trolls who relentlessly target individuals’ character.”
And Munroe Serena quipped, “Imagine the pioneers of this behavior now condemning it, wild times.”
Member of Parliament for St Anne’s Adrian White demanded, “Stop threatening people. Preach that at a PLP meeting, not from the perch of the Office of the Prime Minister…Had your administration been good, people would speak good. As this is not the case, listen, don’t threaten.”
And another poster Channy Burrows rebuked Rahming, “You never know what to say and never know what to speak on. You need to remember that not only are you employed with the office of the Prime Minister, you boldly support and campaign for the government. You should feel very silly making this statement when the loudest person on the internet is a bully for the party you support.”
As the general election draws closer, voters are likely to scrutinize online users’ political commentary and watch for political trolls who are most visible during this season.
