By-election referrals to Police
The Electoral Commission has made three referrals to Police relating to complaints about social media content on election day for the Tauranga by-election.
The three referrals made are for apparent breaches of section 197(1)(g)(i) of the Electoral Act 1993 which prohibits the publication of statements on election day that are advising or intended or likely to influence any elector. Each instance referred involves persons or organisations involved in the affairs of a registered political party and/or a candidate standing for election.
The referrals were made on 4 July 2022. As these matters are now with the Police, the Electoral Commission will not be commenting further.
More information about the election day rules and the use of social media at elections can be found here.