Public complain over bribery and undue influence in campaign

Kearney Gomez,  Elections Supervisor	Suzanne Lookloy, Legal Council for the Elections Office

Wednesday,  April 20, 2005

Elections Supervisor, Kearney Gomez has received a number of informal complaints alleging bribery, undue influence and the provision of “gifts” in an illegal attempt to induce votes throughout the current elections process.

“No formal complaints have been received to date in relation to the current campaign but there have certainly been more (informal) complaints this year, when compared with the last elections,” Mr Gomez said.

In the course of an emergency press briefing at the Elections Office on 18 April, Mr Gomez was asked whether he perceived that there were actually more incidents of illegal activity during these elections, or, whether it was simply that public awareness on the illegality of such acts was at a higher level. Mr Gomez replied, “Both.”

Expanding on the point, Mr Gomez said, “We are seeing a more educated group of voters who don’t want to be voting based on personalities; they would rather be dealing with issues.”

Corroborating Mr Gomez’s response, and, expanding on the point, Legal Council for the Elections Office, Suzanne Lookloy added:

“It is almost as if members of the electorate now feel annoyed when they are approached in this way, hence the increase in the complaints being received by the Elections Office.”

When asked if she could describe the complaints received thus far Ms Lookloy explained, “I can’t comment on the nature of the complaints received. I can say that the complaints fall under the headings of bribery, undue influence and treating.”

Asked about the specifics of lodging complaints Ms Lookloy explained the process for an official complaint.

“To complaints, people would need to follow through with affidavits and comply with the rules of evidence.”

“In the past, complaints have not been formalized because persons were unwilling to follow through with affidavits or the receiver (of the gift) was hesitant about coming forward,” added Mr Gomez.

“But now we are seeing a shift in attitude among the electorate. The public doesn’t like the coercion factor.”

Ms Lookloy said that in light of the number of informal complaints received, the Elections Office, “is moving towards a public awareness campaign on these issues. The campaign will involve the publication of a series of releases that explain the responsibility of the candidate and the member of the electorate in relation to undue influence, bribery and treating. It is our aim to bring about an awareness of these issues for the upcoming elections.

“The Supervisor of Elections in conjunction with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, in an effort to ensure that free and fair elections prevail on 11 May, have established a special investigative team, headed by Detective Beersingh to receive and investigate all formal complaints.”

An Elections Office release on the matter stated: “Individuals who wish to make formal complaints may do so by calling DS Beersingh at 926-0670 or DI Powery at 926-0667. 

“Persons who may be deemed liable for committing election offences may include candidates running for election, their agents, persons acting on behalf of the candidate and members of the public who receive gifts in exchange for votes.”

Both Mr Gomez and Ms Lookloy urged candidates and their agents to familiarize themselves with the Elections Law (2004 Revision) and the Candidates and Agents Handbook.

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