Gomez warns against election sabotage

(CNS): Although the suspected sabotage of one candidates poster’s in Bodden Town turned out to be an April fool’s joke, Supervisor of Elections Kearney Gomez has urged candidates to peak out against any deliberate damage to campaign posters following reports made to the Election’s office. He said there may be legal consequences, as was pointed out in 2005 after an incident of vandalism during that campaign when a UDP poster was sprayed with red paint.

Although no specific section of the Elections Law appears to deal with such a problem, there is a criminal offence known as destroying or damaging property. Election posters, billboard, banners and other such materials are the property of the candidate or the party or group. As a result Gomez said a charge of damage to property could be brought under the Penal Code. Depending on the circumstances, a charge might be brought under other laws dealing with nuisance as well.

Damage to or destruction of property is a serious offence, which can be dealt with in either the Summary Court or Grand Court. Because the property pertains to general elections, there is the possibility that this aspect could be put forward as an aggravating feature, Gomez noted.

The penalty on conviction for damage or destruction of property is a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment up to ten years. Damaging or destroying property by setting fire to it is even more serious and would be charged as arson.