Previous Story
Election body asked to clarify donation issues
|
Posted on Mar 09 2001
The Election Commission was asked yesterday to clarify provisions in an existing law that actually prohibit candidates from giving out donations during and after the campaign period.
In a letter to Election Commission Executive Director Greg Sablan, Democratic Party President Carlos S. Camacho inquired whether local and national election candidates are violating certain provisions of Public Law 12-18.
PL 12-18 Section 6403 prohibits anyone from contributing money or other valuable items to any voter to induce a vote or to refrain from voting for or against a particular candidate.
Mr. Camacho argued the provision can be interpreted to mean that no person, including candidates may deliver tables or tents to any gathering like wakes, funerals, christening among others.
“It can also be interpreted as prohibiting the bringing of food and drinks to pocket meetings and campaigns, or to prohibit victory or appreciation parties after an election,” the party president wrote.
He said the Democratic Party seeks an expeditious clarification from the Election Commission especially now that the general election is fast approaching.
Mr. Camacho added that other explanations are also being circulated that the said law does not actually prohibit this kind of contributions as long as it is for a wake or a funeral.
However, the commission disclosed that things are still being discussed with lawyers to comprehensively study the statute. The polling body is hoping to issue a clearer explanation on the issue.
The commission is now preparing for the implementation of massive election reforms to prevent possible problems that may range from absentee voting to irregularities.
This summer, BOE will be holding series of seminars to educate selected individuals on various election regulations and policies that must be strictly complied with especially on the election day itself.
Plans are being mapped out on proposed home voting where deputized election officers will be dispatched to areas where registered voters are incapacitated to go out and exercise their rights.
In addition to these, plans to issue voter’s number to each of the 15,000 registered voters of the Commonwealth are also being carefully studied.
