| Politics bill to set campaign spending limits | | Print | |
| Written by Richard Green/richard@fptci.com | |||
| Thursday, 12 July 2012 08:33 | |||
|
A draft ordinance proposes campaign spending limits of $50,000 per constituent candidate and $200,000 for one at-large candidate for the House of Assembly, plus a $50,000 limit per donor. But those limits aren’t set in stone yet, and other important questions remain as consultation has begun on the 104-page document published July 3. An earlier draft of the legislation was given to political parties, the Advisory Council, the Consultative Forum and the Election Preparations Oversight Group several months ago. Meetings between the political parties and U.K. ministers from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy resulted in modifications, Rushbrook said. Among questions to be answered are if the spending and donation limits are too high or low, as well as who should be allowed to donate to parties and candidates. The proposed spending limits would mean an average of $71 per voter in 10 districts of approximately 700 voters, or an average of $28 per voter for at-large candidates and a total of approximately 7,000 voters. For at-large candidates, party spending limits would be $200,000 for one candidate, $240,000 for two, $280,000 for three, $320,000 for four and $360,000 for five. The draft ordinance would apply to both political parties and independent candidates, although the requirements for independent candidates would be less “due to their likely lack of party machinery to support their campaigning,” Rushbrook said. Those requirements are also part of the consultation. “The Westminster Foundation for Democracy plans to return to Turks and Caicos Islands in late July to begin their work the local political parties on accounting for campaign financing and political financing, advice on policy-based campaigning and bilateral consultations for prospective independent candidates,” Rushbrook said. “The draft Political Activities Ordinance will be used as the basis of their training activities.” The existing ordinance is being amended in part because the Electoral Reform International Society reviewed the TCI’s electoral procedures in 2009 and concluded that they no longer met international standards. Revisions also were required to accommodate new voting arrangements described in the revised Constitution. The ordinance also spells out the powers of the Integrity Commission to enforce the provisions and penalties for violations, which are one year and/or a $5,000 fine. Parties are required to keep proper financial records which will be made public, and any party spending more than $500,000 in one year must be audited by a qualified auditor. The commission can require audits at any time for those spending less than $500,000. Treasurers of parties also must make bi-annual reports of donations, plus weekly reports during election periods.
|
Related Articles
Entertainment: Your Island Guide
|
Top things to do in April Top things to do in April 1. From Golfing to More... |
|
Valentine’s Day Cup 2013 model sailboat races The Middle Caicos Sailboat Association will once again present the annual model sailboat races at More... |
|
Lime and Tourist Board announce weekly Fish Fry The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board & LIME partner with Cultural Fish Fry The Turks & Caicos Tourist More... |
|
Turks & Caicos Reef Fun to host dazzling evening The Turks and Caicos Reef Fund will host its 2nd Annual Cocktail Party Reception on Jan. 26 at the More... |
|
Fashion Glam at Regent Palms The Regent Palms is inviting everyone to an evening of fashion and glamour at their event being More... |
Latest Community News
|
Cholera Clinical Management Training Held in the TCI Healthcare professionals from the TCI Health Services were trained in the Clinical Management of More... |
|
Illegal Haitian immigrants Intercepted Illegal Haitian Immigrants Intercepted, to the Repatriated According to the Ministry of Border More... |
|
Ministry of Health Reminding public about sanitation Health surveillance teams attached to the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MOHHS) have More... |
|
Scholarship applications now being accepted The Ministry of Education has announced that they are now accepting applications for scholarships More... |
|
History and traditions stay alive at the 13th annual boat races in Middle Caicos The 2013 Valentines Day Cup welcomed many fun loving residents and tourists to Middle Caicos’ More... |