Bill will allow Elections authorities to monitor campaign properly and minimize misleading information - Koya

Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya says the Electoral Amendment Bill will give the Elections authorities powers to monitor campaigns properly and minimize misleading information which has been at the forefront of the last two elections.

Koya says the amendment very carefully defines the official campaign period and the legal provisions governing the campaign will be enforceable during the period.

He says the amendments are simply to improve the electoral process and it will also allow for more transparency.

Koya says sadly social media has become a platform where there is a great amount of abuse.

He adds it is unfortunate when such platforms are used to bash female candidates and threaten supporters of other parties.

Koya says it is a good time for Parliament to debate and approve the amendment as proposed in the Bill.

He adds the Bill also seeks to align definitions and relevant clauses with other electoral laws and will remove any form of ambiguity.