UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK government urged to return Electoral Commission to full independence amid warnings ministerial powers could undermine democracy.
As reported by The Guardian, a report warns that the Electoral Commission’s independence must be restored to protect UK elections from potential authoritarian interference.
What did Spotlight on Corruption say about electoral oversight?
The Democracy in Danger report by Spotlight on Corruption finds the UK breached eight international standards by retaining control over the Electoral Commission.
The report said former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ministerial powers “could easily be abused to undermine our democracy.”
The campaign group called on the government to honor its pledge to protect democracy by ending ministerial oversight of the Electoral Commission.
The group urged ministers to protect the Electoral Commission’s independence in law and add two lay members to the Speaker’s Committee to represent public interests.
Its report concluded that:
- Britain is failing eight international standards by retaining controversial electoral powers.
- Every constitutional oversight body reviewed and rejected the ministerial power.
- The UK has slipped to 44th in global electoral autonomy rankings, alongside Ghana, Nepal, and Croatia.
- It lags behind similar democracies, including Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia.
- Described as “giving a toddler a gun,” the power risks abuse by autocratic governments.
What did Arron Banks say about the Electoral Commission under Farage?
Arron Banks, Reform mayoral candidate, said he would scrap the Electoral Commission if party leader Nigel Farage takes office.
After the referendum, Banks’s Leave.EU campaign was probed by the watchdog and fined £70,000 for overspending, later reduced to £66,000 on appeal.
Spotlight on Corruption poll finds 60% of Reform supporters back Electoral Commission despite Banks’ criticism.
Labour’s new elections bill aims to tighten rules on foreign donations, but the party has stopped short of restoring full independence to the Electoral Commission, despite previously condemning Mr Johnson’s government for weakening the body.
The elections watchdog was placed under ministerial control by Boris Johnson, giving the government authority over its policy goals.
Ministers have resisted reversing Johnson’s changes, but peers may restore the commission’s independence when the elections bill reaches the Lords.
What Did Susan Hawley Say About Risks to UK Election Independence?
Susan Hawley, the executive director of Spotlight on Corruption, stated,
“The democratic backsliding we’re seeing in countries such as Hungary and the US should offer up a stark warning about the slippery slope of stripping election regulators of their independence for government. “It has been alarming to see this government commit to another strategy and policy statement in its new elections strategy. These powers could easily be abused to undermine democracy by a future authoritarian government.”
What did Vijay Rangarajan say about government control over elections?
The Electoral Commission’s chief, Vijay Rangarajan, said it was time to reverse the power.
He added,
“The point of principle is a government depends on an election to get re-elected. And it shouldn’t be able to instruct the people who are trying to referee that re-election.”
What did the housing ministry say about UK electoral independence?
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson stated,
“This government is taking decisive action to strengthen and protect Britain’s democracy.”
They added,
“We reject these findings and are clear the Electoral Commission will remain operationally independent. We will continue to support it to act without fear or favour – including on stamping out foreign interference and upholding donation rules.”
Pat McFadden’s views on overhauling standards and accountability
Pat McFadden, a Cabinet Office minister, stated,
“This overhaul will mean there are stronger rules, fewer quangos and clearer lines of accountability. The Committee on Standards in Public Life has played an important role in the past three decades. These changes give it a new mandate for the future.”
He added,
“But whatever the institutional landscape, the public will in the end judge politicians and government by how they do their jobs and how they fulfil the principles of public service.”
Key duties of the Electoral Commission
The duties of the Electoral Commission include regulating political finance by monitoring donations, loans, and campaign spending. This ensures compliance with the law. It helps election officials by giving guidance and setting standards.
The Commission also educates citizens about electoral systems, including new requirements such as voter identification.