Electoral Commission
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Electoral Commission invites London Mayoral candidates to support its Code of Conduct for Campaigners

The Electoral Commission has written to all candidates who have so far announced that they will be standing for election as the next Mayor of London in May 2016, inviting them to make a public commitment to following the Commission's Code of Conduct for Campaigners.

The electoral watchdog's Code of Conduct sets out what is, and is not, acceptable behaviour at polling stations and in relation to postal and proxy votes during the election period. This includes clearly explaining that campaigners should never touch or handle anyone else's postal ballot paper and that campaigners should keep access to polling places and the pavements around polling places clear to allow voters to enter.

Evidence from the Commission's 2014 review of electoral fraud vulnerabilities shows that in most instances when electoral fraud is attempted, or committed, it is by candidates and their supporters – voters are the victims.

The voluntary Code of Conduct was developed by the Commission following an open consultation, and the political parties that sit on the Commission's Parliamentary Parties Panel have all agreed it. The Commission expects all candidates and campaigners at elections in Great Britain, including those supporting independent candidates as well as those representing political parties, to follow the Code.

Details of the candidates who have confirmed their commitment to follow the Code will be shown on the Commission's website.

Jenny Watson, Chair of the Electoral Commission said;

"Campaigners play an important role in the electoral process by encouraging people to participate in elections and referendums. But it is equally important that the activities of campaigners do not bring into question the integrity of the electoral process.

"I hope that all the London mayoral candidates will give their personal commitment to the Code and take the lead in showing voters that they and their supporters are committed to stamping out unacceptable campaigning practices."

The Code of Conduct for Campaigners can be viewed here.

For further information, contact Megan Phillips in the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704 or mphillips@electoralcommission.org.uk 

Out of office hours: 07789 920 414

Notes to editors

  1. The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Our aim is integrity and public confidence in the UK's democratic process. We regulate party and election finance and set standards for well-run elections and are responsible for the conduct and regulation of referendums held under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (2000).
  2. The Electoral Commission does not investigate electoral fraud but provides guidance, advice and support, we collect, analyse and publish data from police forces about cases of alleged electoral fraud in the UK each year. More information on fraud responsibilities and our most recently published data can be found on the Commission's website here.
  3. The Commission published a review of electoral fraud vulnerabilities in January 2014. The full report can be viewed here.
  4. The political parties that sit on the Commission's Parliamentary Parties Panel (PPP) and that have confirmed their support for the Code of Conduct are:

    *    The Labour Party 
    *    The Scottish National Party (SNP) 
    *    The Conservative Party 
    *    The Liberal Democrats 
    *    The United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) 
    *    Plaid Cymru

 

Channel website: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk

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