- The Government is highlighting the seriousness of the threat
of intimidation of candidates and campaigners to the integrity of
public life and the electoral process.
- Additional penalties could be enforced under new proposals to
crack down on the abuse of candidates and campaigners standing
for public service.
- Three new measures are being consulted on that will protect
voters, candidates and campaigners from misinformation and abuse.
The Government is launching its consultation today (Sunday, 29
July) for a new electoral offence which aims to crack down on
threats and abuse towards those standing for election.
The consultation, which will run until 22 October, also seeks
views on clarifying the electoral offence of undue influence of
voters. Currently, a person is guilty of undue influence if they
threaten electors to vote a certain way or stop them from voting.
The consultation will review whether the requirement to have
imprints, which is added to election material to show who is
responsible for producing it, should be extended to digital
communications.
This would also have the benefit of increasing transparency in
digital campaigning, in light of recent concerns about the
potential risks of 'fake news' and foreign interference in future
ballots.
Following on from the recommendations set out by the Committee on
Standards in Public Life (CSPL) last year, the Prime Minister
announced that the Government will consult on a new offence that
would be in addition to the current offence of electoral
intimidation which relates to undue influence on voters.
The consultation also comes amid concerns voiced by politicians
and campaigners on all sides about the increasing intimidation
and abuse of people taking part in elections.
The proposals would toughen current electoral law, which includes
provisions against undue influence of voters, by introducing a
new offence to tackle intimidation of Parliamentary candidates
and campaigners. This new law could see people stripped of their
right to stand for or hold public office, should they be found
guilty of threatening or abusive behaviour, either in person or
online.
Extreme cases of intimidation are considered a serious criminal
offence, punishable with a custodial sentence where evidence of
sustained, pressurising behaviour intended to cause distress and
impact campaigning is found.
Minister for the Constitution, said:
“This Government recognises that rising intimidation in public
life is stopping talented people from standing for election and
putting voters off politics and we want to tackle this extremely
serious issue.
“We are consulting on three new measures that will protect
voters, candidates and campaigners so they can make their choice
at the ballot box or stand for public service without fear of
being victims of misinformation or abuse.
“We can’t let intimidation of our candidates, campaigners, the
public and those that serve us continue unchecked and I would
encourage everyone to take part in this consultation.”
, Chair of the Committee on
Standards in Public Life said:
"Intimidation presents a real threat to the integrity, diversity,
and vibrancy of our public life.
“People of all backgrounds should not be put off from standing
for public office as a result of intimidatory behaviour.
“We warmly welcome that the Government are implementing our
recommendation to consult on a new electoral offence of
intimidating Parliamentary candidates and introducing digital
imprints.
“The Electoral Commission identified these gaps in electoral law
in evidence to our review, and these measures would play an
important part in protecting candidates and voters at election
time."
ENDS
NOTES
- The consultation will close at midnight on 22 October and
will be active from 12.15am on Sunday 29 July here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/protecting-the-debate-intimidation-influence-and-information
- To contribute to the consultation, email
elections@cabinetoffice.gov.uk or write to Electoral
Administration Team, 4th Floor Orange Zone, Cabinet Office, 1
Horse Guards Road, London SW1A 2HQ.
- This consultation looks at the following recommendations:
- The Government should consult on the introduction of a new
offence in electoral law of intimidating Parliamentary candidates
and party campaigners;
- The Government should extend electoral law requirements for
an imprint on campaigning materials to electronic communications.
- The independent Committee on Standards in Public Life advises
the Prime Minister on ethical standards across the whole of
public life in the UK. It monitors and reports on issues relating
to the standards of conduct of all public office holders. To find
out more about the Committee’s work go to
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/the-committee-on-standards-in-public-life.
