Viral Infographic Claiming Survey Results of SIS Over Sri Lankan Presidential Election Is Fabricated, Not Real!
Subscribe to our WhatsApp Channel As the presidential election in Sri Lanka is expected towards the second half of the year, social media platforms are inundated with a deluge of survey results claiming to gauge public opinion. However, a significant portion of these purported surveys are fabricated and false, adding to the confusion surrounding the […]
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As the presidential election in Sri Lanka is expected towards the second half of the year, social media platforms are inundated with a deluge of survey results claiming to gauge public opinion. However, a significant portion of these purported surveys are fabricated and false, adding to the confusion surrounding the electoral landscape. The proliferation of misinformation underscores the challenge of discerning genuine public sentiment amidst the noise of digital platforms, raising concerns about the integrity of the democratic process and the influence of misinformation on voter perceptions.
Social Media Posts
An infographic circulating on social media in Sri Lanka purports to depict the latest survey results conducted by the State Intelligence Service (SIS) regarding the upcoming presidential election. It suggests that Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD), the leader of the National People's Power (NPP) party, is projected to emerge victorious with 63% of the vote.
Users commented on it like below.
Fact Check:
Examination of Percentage Totals: Analysis of the percentages provided in the infographic reveals a significant discrepancy. When adding up the percentages of all nominated candidates and the ‘other category’, the total exceeds 100%, totalling 122%. This indicates that the survey results are a baseless fabrication.
Origin of Viral Posts: Moreover, we noticed that a few days before the above viral image, another image with the same theme predicted that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate, the main opposition party in Sri Lanka, would get the highest percentage of votes in a forthcoming presidential election. These posts claimed different results, with SJB leader Sajith Premadasa receiving 41% of the vote and AKD receiving only 23%. However, in this case, the total sum of percentages adds up to 100%.
Font Style and Format Consistency: The font style and format of the viral posts claiming different survey results are identical. This suggests that the claims about AKD's victory may have originated from a similar post attributed to Sajith Premadasa being victorious with 41%.
Historical Context: Sri Lankan politicians and their supporters often reference intelligence units or specific intelligence agencies when claiming the legitimacy of survey results. Such patterns were observed during the previous presidential election as well.
However, it is essential to note that intelligence services, including the State Intelligence Service, typically do not publicly conduct or release survey results. Moreover, they refrain from commenting on such matters in the public domain.
Opaque Nature of Intelligence Surveys: While it is widely speculated that intelligence services under the Defence Ministry may conduct random public opinion polls on various issues, these surveys are not typically exposed to the public. Instead, they are often presented to top government figures for internal use.
Read More:
Lack Of Clarity On Purported Survey Findings Of Presidential Candidate Preferences!
Dubious Survey Claims By “Mass Media News” On Sri Lankan Presidential Election
A Purported Election Result Prediction, Falsely Attributed To Verité Research!
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Conclusion:
The viral posts claiming survey results conducted by the State Intelligence Service regarding the upcoming Sri Lankan presidential election, particularly those suggesting a victory for Anura Kumara Dissanayake, lack credibility. Analysis reveals inconsistencies in percentage totals, potential biases in dissemination, and a lack of verifiable sources. Therefore, it is clear that these claims are false and should be approached with scepticism.
Citizens must critically evaluate information shared on social media, especially during sensitive political periods, and rely on credible sources for accurate information regarding election-related matters.
Title:Viral Infographic Claiming Survey Results of SIS Over Sri Lankan Presidential Election Is Fabricated, Not Real!
Fact Check By: Fact Crescendo TeamResult: False
