With just under two weeks to go until the election on November 9th the Supervisor of Elections, Mr. Dudley Lewis has written to candidates to remind them that under the Elections Ordinance they are not allowed to offer inducements to electors to influence their voting intentions.
“I have been satisfied that campaigning up to the present time has been overwhelmingly fair and free. By issuing this announcement I wish to ensure any tendency to cut corners and disregard election law is avoided during the intensive final days of campaigning.
I have also written to the leaders of the political parties and the independent candidates to remind them of their obligation to continue to ensure their campaigns remain within the law,” explained Lewis.
During political rallies, meetings or general campaigning candidates, political parties or anyone associated with them are not permitted to provide food, drink, gifts of any kind or cash as these could interpreted as an attempt to corruptly influence a voter in the way they may cast their vote at the election.
This behavior is known as ‘treating’ and is illegal. It has been illegal for many years, although in past elections some people chose to ignore it. Such behavior is no longer being ignored. The person offering this kind of inducement is committing a serious criminal offence and so is any member of the public who accepts a gift or cash.
The Supervisor will follow up all reports received where this behavior is illegal and will not hesitate to collaborate with the Police to initiate criminal investigations. He also invites members of the public to inform him if they are aware of any incident involving inducements to voters. Mr. Lewis also points out that inexpensive tee shirts, caps and advertising materials provided by political parties and candidates are not regarded as treating.
A fair election, untainted by any hint of corrupt practices, is in the best interests of the citizens of the TCI.
The Supervisor of Elections can be contacted by telephone 946-2558 and email at dllewis@gov.tc
