Corrupt Practice

The Representation of the People Act 1983 defines several specific corrupt practices. Under section 60, a person shall be guilty of a corrupt practice if he commits, or aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission of, the offence of personation — voting as someone else. Section 113 provides that a person shall be guilty of bribery if he, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, gives money or other reward to induce a vote. Section 114 provides that a person shall be guilty of treating if he corruptly, by himself or by any other person, either before, during or after an election, directly or indirectly gives food, drink or entertainment to influence votes, and section 115 covers undue influence, committed if he, directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, makes use of or threatens to make use of any force, violence or restraint to compel a vote.

A candidate reported personally guilty of a corrupt practice by an election court has their election declared void, and faces further disqualification from voting or standing again for a period specified in the Act. Corrupt practices are also criminal offences prosecuted through the courts, carrying imprisonment or a fine, and are treated more seriously than the related but lesser category of 'illegal practice' under the same Act. Allegations of corrupt practice are usually raised by way of an election petition, which the election court investigates and reports on, including whether corrupt practices have extensively prevailed at the election in question.