The Electoral Commission (EC) has clarified that recent amendments to the Electoral Act 2014 do not impose a blanket ban on foreign-funded organisations conducting campaign-related activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement, the EC said the amendments instead established a regulatory framework allowing organisations receiving foreign funding to participate in campaign activities, provided they complied with newly approved rules.
The clarification follows concerns raised by civil society organisations and other stakeholders over changes to Section 115 of the Act and their implications for foreign-funded groups.
The EC has approved the Campaign Related to an Election by Persons in Receipt of Foreign Funding Rules 2026, which are now in force.
Under the rules, organisations wishing to conduct activities such as public forums, debates, panel discussions and interviews must follow one of two pathways.
Those intending to conduct campaigns without foreign funding must apply to the Supervisor of Elections (SOE) to demonstrate that no foreign funding or influence is involved.
Where foreign funding is used, either fully or partially, the SOE will assess the nature and content of the proposed campaign, the proportion of foreign funding and whether donors are attempting to influence support for a particular candidate, political party or voting outcome.
The EC said campaigns must provide balanced and neutral information, with the SOE required to make a decision within seven days.
Applicants dissatisfied with a decision can seek a review by the EC within three days, with the Commission required to determine the review within a further three days.
The EC also clarified that voter education remains separate from campaign activities. Under Section 115(2), organisations must obtain written authorisation from the EC or SOE before conducting voter education activities, a requirement that remains unchanged.
It said the rules were intended to balance regulatory oversight with the right of civil society organisations to participate in democratic processes.
The rules are available on the Electoral Commission’s website.
