Response to electoral rule change proposals published

Twenty responses have been received to proposals for far-reaching reforms to laws governing House of Keys elections.

The Cabinet Office launched an eight week public consultation on amendments to the Representation of the People Act in April.

Proposals include compulsory registration of political parties, a cap on the amount candidates can spend on their campaigns, a ban on anonymous donations and restrictions on proxy voting.

Government says its proposals will improve transparency in the election process and reflect key recommendations from an independent review into the Douglas East by election in 2010.

Reposes were received from four Island local authorities, three returning officers, two government departments and the General Registry.

The Positive Action Group and Liberal Vannin submitted views, along with one MHK, one MLC, an individual councillor and five members of the public.

The majority of responses agreed with the suggested amendments, and the government says it has noted a range of comments on the detail.

The Cabinet Office says it will make minor amendments to the draft Bill, which will be presented to the Council of Ministers for approval, before introduction to the branches of Tynwald.

There was some criticism that a cap on election expenses would be impractical to enforce - but government says safeguards included in a new bill will allow complaints to be investigated and contain a new offence if a candidate's expenses exceed the maximum amount.