SDLP seek further measures to combat electoral fraud

The SDLP have called for new measures in the fight to combat electoral fraud at polling station following the recent tabling of a new Electoral Fraud Bill in the House of Commons.

Party Chairman Alex Attwood met with Chief Electoral Officer Denis Stanley on Monday 23 July to discuss several proposals, the foremost of which would see National Insurance numbers brought into use as a means to cross check votes and to rule out fraudulent representation.

Other suggestions put forward by the SDLP involved the creation of ‘neutral zones’ around polling stations to allow individuals unhindered access when placing their vote, safe from intimidation.

Numerous new measures are being considered following several major reports on electoral malpractice, and follow recommendations by the Northern Ireland Forum, the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee and the NIO Review team, and consultation with political parties.

Ulster Unionists have recently called for the Chief Electoral Officer to look into ways to combat abuse of the ballot box, with the SDLP’s Dr Joe Hendron also describing voter fraud as widespread. However, Sinn Fein’s Pat McNamee has rebutted recent claims of his party’s involvement in voter personation, saying that a Royal Ulster Constabulary investigation had shown “little of substance to provide evidence for a proper inquiry or investigation” despite the many allegations surrounding Sinn Fein’s electoral conduct. (CL)