Electoral Commission Takes Action, Candidates’ Expenses Exceeding the Set Limit

Regarding election spending, the recent campaign has seen candidates splurging on a wide array of expenses—from meals and advertisements to transport and printing flyers. As required by the Representation of the People Act, the Electoral Commission has made public the financial details of candidates’ expenditures. Leading the pack is Richard Duval from the Alliance du Changement, who tallied a staggering Rs 248,375.

The law stated that only independent candidates can spend up to Rs 250,000, and this threshold applies when there isn’t more than one candidate from the same party in a given constituency.

Conversely, if a candidate shares their constituency with another party representative, they must limit their spending to Rs 150,000.

Alarmingly, at least six candidates—including three ministers and two other government officials—have surpassed this Rs 150,000 limit.

Notably, Duval’s spending is closely followed by Kaviraj Sukon, the Minister for Higher Education, who spent Rs 233,000, and Labour Party representative Sandeep Prayag, who declared expenditures of Rs 222,000.

Former environment minister Kavy Ramano from the Alliance Lepep ranked fourth at Rs 220,000, followed closely by Raj Pentiah, another minister from the Alliance du Changement, with over Rs 187,000 in expenses.

Lastly, Labour MP Kevin Lukeeram reported spending Rs 156,500.

This overindulgence in campaign financing has sparked concerns among the public regarding potential penalties.

L’Express sources suggested that the responsibility for the excesses may fall on the “Main Agent”.

However, it appeared that resolutions are underway, especially concerning the case of the Minister of Tourism.

Under Article 55 of the Representation of the People Act, both the individual who incurred the expenses and the candidate for whom these expenses were made can be found guilty of unlawful practices.

Yet, a candidate cannot be held responsible if a third party incurred expenses on their behalf unless it can be proven that the candidate gave consent.

The law stipulates a maximum fine of Rs 1,000 for anyone found guilty of such an illegal act, in accordance with Article 74.

For a period of five years following the conviction, the individual will be unable to register to vote, cast a ballot, or stand for election.

If they were elected prior to their conviction, they would also lose their seat.

Notably, these penalties will come into effect only after a 30-day period following the conviction or a Supreme Court decision regarding any appeals.

Faizal Jeerooburkhan of Think Mauritius argued that the current laws do not require political parties to disclose their funding sources or expenditure, complicating the oversight of overall electoral spending.

He mentioned that the previous government had proposed reforms to enhance political finance transparency, which included capping expenditure for political parties, requiring detailed record-keeping, and appointing a treasurer to manage party finances, with penalties for violations potentially reaching Rs 5 million.

However, he highlighted that without political parties being registered as legal entities, such regulations cannot be enforced.

He believed that actual campaign expenditures far exceed what is officially reported, speculating that candidates might spend millions, while only declaring a fraction of that amount.

Jeerooburkhan called for the Alliance du Changement to initiate necessary reforms, stating:

 “This situation lacks credibility. What message are we sending to our youth?”

He insisted on the need for a thorough analysis of electoral spending, as variations in expenditures could undermine democracy by placing undue influence on money rather than the electorate’s choice.

Despite attempts to reach out to ministers and MPs who reported spending over Rs 150,000, there has been no response.

However, discussions were held regarding these expenditures at the recent cabinet meeting.

Importantly, several candidates from various parties have yet to declare their spending, including notable figures such as Paul Bérenger and Joe Lesjongard.

As we stand at this crossroads of political finance, the call for accountability and transparency grows louder, echoing through the very fabric of our democracy.

Source: l’Express