THE committee which overseas States Assembly business has said that it will look at the rules around election expenses, which currently time-limits when action can be taken in relation to alleged election expenses fraud.
As it stands, action against potential transgressions of election spending rules by political candidates can only be taken within the year following an election.
Deputy Sam Mézec has questioned the appropriateness of this restriction following the prosecution of Deputy Philip Ozouf for immigration offences.
During the recent sentencing, it transpired that Deputy Ozouf asked Rwandan nationals who were working for him without the required permission to help him by putting up election posters and handing out leaflets in the parish.
This was not declared on Deputy Ozouf’s election expenses and donations form.
In the States Assembly on Tuesday, Privileges and Procedures Committee chair Deputy Steve Ahier said that PPC would be discussing the time limit at its next meeting on 9 March.
Reflecting on the last election, he said: “In 2022, all submissions were reviewed in accordance with the provisions of the Public Elections Expenditures and Donations law.
“This work was undertaken by members of the Electoral Authority along with the then Judicial Greffier. The reviewers checked the forms submitted by all candidates, including those who had been unsuccessful, to ensure that expenditure did not exceed the limits set out for Constables and Deputies at that time.
“The declaration submitted was signed by candidates and included a statement, to the best of their knowledge and belief, that the information was true and correct, but I can confidently assure [Deputy [Mézec] that this matter is being taken seriously and will be reviewed by PPC and, I’m sure by the Jersey Electoral Authority as well.”
