The chair of the Electoral Commission has confirmed that the Social Democrats will face a 10% deduction from their total valid votes in the forthcoming General Election, following an alleged breach of electoral rules.
In a statement released today, the chair said evidence had been received indicating that members of the party’s leadership attempted to involve an individual who had previously been banned from the community. The individual was allegedly encouraged to create an alternative account to support the party’s election campaign.
The Commission stated that such actions are in direct violation of electoral law and internal regulations, which prohibit the use of banned individuals or deceptive practices to influence voting.
Citing powers under the Political Party Governance Act 2025, the chair confirmed that the penalty was issued in accordance with offences outlined in Section 11 (1)(a) and Section 12(2)(c) of the legislation.