26.05.15
Tower Hamlets sets out strategy to combat election fraud
Tower Hamlets Council has claimed that its upcoming election for mayor “will have some of the most robust anti-fraud measures ever used in the UK”.
The election was triggered when the previous mayor, Lutfur Rahman, was found guilty of corrupt and illegal election practices. It will take place on 11 June and also includes a ballot for a new councillor for Rahman’s former council seat in Stepney Green ward.
The council has worked with the police and the Electoral Commission to develop a plan “that will tackle fraudulent activity throughout the election process”.
As part of the plan, police officers with special training to combat suspicious or fraudulent activity are to be present at every polling station on election day.
The council has also committed to investigate and respond to any allegations of fraud made to the returning officer, John Williams.
Williams said: “We are building on lessons learned from previous elections to deliver a free and fair election on 11 June.
“The general election this month was delivered smoothly and in line with expectations by the police, the Electoral Commission and the council. We will work together again to ensure that the June election is equally well-run.”
(Picture by: Steven Haslington)
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