MoLSA letter about poll holidays fake

KABUL (Pajhwok): Purportedly released by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, a letter regarding holidays on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday has gone viral on social media.

But this circular regarding the presidential election holidays is fake and inaccurate.

Fake info:

Published on Tuesday on Facebook and Twitter, the letter (supposedly from the Ministry of Labour) says the Ministry of Information and Culture has announced the holidays.

Marred by glaring spelling errors, the circular reads: “This is to inform that Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday will be closed holidays to ensure security for the election on Sept. 28.”

What is reality?

Abdul Fatah Ahmadzai, spokesman for the MoLSA, wrote on his Facebook page: “A letter has been attributed to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, saying that tomorrow is a holiday.”

He called the letter fake and explained Wednesday is a working day.

Also on Tuesday, the Ministry of Education also announced that all schools will remain closed on Thursday and Saturday on account of the presidential election.

The MoE statement said: “The election will be held on Saturday (Sept 28). All public and private schools will stay closed on Thursday and Saturday to facilitate the process of transferring election materials to polling stations.”

Result of fact-check:

Pajhwok Afghan News assesses facts and informs the people which news should be placed in which category — accurate, not so accurate, half-true and inaccurate.

As for this report about holidays, the letter has no link to MoLSA and it is incorrect. It is only a Facebook rumors.

Zarghona Salehi

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