POLLING day could become another campaign day if political parties are allowed to provide voters with free transport, food or refreshments under the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2026.
Centre for Democracy and Dialogue (CDD) chief executive Nilesh Lal described Clause 26 as one of the most problematic provisions in the Bill and recommended it be deleted.
Clause 26 would amend Section 114 of the Electoral Act to allow political parties, candidates or their representatives to provide free transportation to and from polling venues, as well as food and refreshments, provided they do not influence or attempt to influence a person’s vote.
Mr Lal said accessibility to polling stations was not an issue that justified the proposal, with existing provisions requiring voters to be assigned to polling stations within reasonable walking distance of their residences.
“The Supervisor of Elections had previously indicated that efforts were made to establish polling stations within 500 metres of voters’ residences,” he said.
He said more than 2000 polling stations operated on election day and polling venues met or exceeded international accessibility standards.
Mr Lal said free transport and food could create opportunities for undue influence, as influence could arise through gratitude, social obligation or interaction with party workers.
He said where transport assistance was genuinely required, it should be provided by election authorities rather than political parties.
“The underlying democratic principle is fairly straightforward. You need to keep material benefits separate from the act of voting.”
