The News Minute| June 22, 2014| 7.40 pm IST

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has called for responsible use of social media platforms, particularly in relation to the country’s ongoing electoral process.

Ssecretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, Ján Kubiš says in a statement, "Everyone has a right to their own views and opinions and to express these on social media, which can be a valuable tool in helping generate enthusiastic debate and encourage public participation – however, using these platforms for communication in ways which could increase tensions or incite violence is not conducive to the historic electoral process currently underway."

“This includes rhetoric that brings back memories of tragic, fratricidal, factional conflicts in the 1990s that cost the lives of tens of thousands of civilians,” UNAMA adds. 

UNAMA strongly urges the candidates to take all steps necessary to control their supporters to prevent them from making any irresponsible statements and from taking steps that could lead to civil disorder and instability.

The UNAMA says there has been a disturbing tone in some social media platforms and has "urged supporters of the candidates in the Afghan Presidential elections to refrain from inflammatory statements, hate speech or statements which promote divisive ethnic mobilization."

UNAMA has asked candidates to ensure that their supporters are under control and do not ignite passions.