Electoral Commission Committee written question – answered at on 27 February 2012.
To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, if he will ask the Electoral Commission to undertake an investigation into recent reports of fraud on the electoral roll in the London borough of Tower Hamlets.
Electoral malpractice may involve a criminal offence and, as such, any allegation should be referred to the relevant police force for investigation. In this case, the Commission has been assured by the police and Tower Hamlets electoral registration officer (ERO) that the issue is being treated with the appropriate seriousness. The Electoral Commission will provide advice or support if requested by the investigating force.
The Electoral Commission takes electoral malpractice very seriously, and works closely with the UK associations of chief police officers to provide guidance and advice to police forces and EROs on preventing and detecting electoral malpractice. The Commission also brings together electoral administrators, police forces, prosecutors, political parties and UK Government officials for regular roundtable discussions on electoral malpractice. The Commission will consider the outcome and implications of any investigation with this group.
Yes1 person thinks so
No1 person thinks not
Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.