Keep Elections Honest

It has become increasingly obvious that those seeking political office or power and the media cannot be relied upon to fairly and accurately represent the facts to win their arguments.

This polarised exaggeration has now reached the stage where it becomes increasingly impossible for people to make an informed choice on issues essential to the wellbeing and future of our society.
I propose that new legislation be introduce to limit the malicious use of false statements to further agenda’s in public office or debate, while it is a fundamental principal that free speech is an essential aspect of modern society checks and balances must be borough in to address the increasing tendencies to exaggerate or make up facts to win elections.

Malice
the desire to harm someone; ill will.
Law
wrongful intention, especially as increasing the guilt of certain offences.

I propose the definition be expanded to include the desire to harm another argument, wilfully putting forward false facts or failing to check facts pertinent to a proposition would become a crime and there should be consequence’s for wilfully doing so, the use of these strategies to win an election should also be sufficient grounds to declare the election void and any results invalid.

In our modern age it is quite reasonable to insist large media campaigns perform with integrity and that the current trend for excessive false statement’s be challenged.

Please do not respond with anything implying The Seven principles of public life (that were first set out in 1995 by Lord Nolan, the founding Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life) cover this, as they obviously are not working and are not being enforced.

Any basis of ethical standards expected of holders of public office MUST be backed with legislation or are meaningless plattitudes brough up to avoid the serious underlying issues threatening our democracy.