New Zealand

The Electoral Commission has taken a swipe at the police for an apparent lack of action in investigating and prosecuting electoral law offences and suggests the job be handed over to another agency. In its report on the 2011 general election, the commission said that although police dealt with simple matters such as dual voting promptly, they did not do so for more complex issues. ”Some are more difficult and complex and the commission is concerned about the priority the police seem able to accord these referrals.” It recommended the Government consider whether procedures should be strengthened, noting that some of the breaches of the Electoral Act were serious and carried heavy penalties. ”Effective and timely investigation and prosecution of electoral offences is critical to ensuring public confidence in the integrity of the democratic process.”

The Electoral Commission has taken a swipe at the police for an apparent lack of action in investigating and prosecuting electoral law offences and suggests the job be handed over to another agency. In its report on the 2011 general election, the commission said that although police dealt with simple matters such as dual voting promptly, they did not do so for more complex issues. ”Some are more difficult and complex and the commission is concerned about the priority the police seem able to accord these referrals.” It recommended the Government consider whether procedures should be strengthened, noting that some of the breaches of the Electoral Act were serious and carried heavy penalties. ”Effective and timely investigation and prosecution of electoral offences is critical to ensuring public confidence in the integrity of the democratic process.”