Talk:Representation of the People Act 1948

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Untitled[edit]

"This prohibition extended to broadcasters outside the state." This sentence is ambiguous. Does "broadcasters outside the state" mean "privately owned broadcasters" (I don't think there were any, anyway?) or does it mean "broadcasters abroad, outside the UK" (in which case how was the law enforced against them?)? 86.178.79.98 (talk) 06:53, 5 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It means broadcasters geographically located outside the state. I presume that it was intended to prevent candidates or parties from purchasing time on (e.g.) Radio Luxembourg, which was a popular station in the UK. How would it be enforced? Well, I suppose that anyone infringing the prohibition would either have their nomination disqualified or their election overturned on petition, presumably in an action instituted by electors or other candidates.Lozleader (talk) 10:09, 5 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
This is the text of the relevant section:
Election propaganda.
37.—(1) No person shall, with intent to influence persons to give or refrain from giving their votes at a parliamentary election, use, or aid, abet, counsel, or procure the use of, any wireless transmitting station outside the United Kingdom for the transmission of any matter having reference to the election otherwise than in pursuance of arrangements made with the British Broadcasting Corporation for it to be received and retransmitted by that Corporation.
Lozleader (talk) 12:19, 5 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
To which one might add "Any offence under this section shall be an illegal practice within the meaning of the parliamentary corrupt practices Act: Provided that the court before whom a person is convicted of an offence under this section may, if they think it just in the special circumstances of the case, mitigate or entirely remit any incapacity imposed by section ten of that Act." (in the interpretation section it notes that the Act referred to is Corrupt and Illegal Practices Prevention Act 1883) Lozleader (talk) 12:24, 5 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
On conviction: fine of £100 and banned from voting for 5 years.[1]Lozleader (talk) 12:34, 5 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Not clear[edit]

The article does not say if democratic voting in local elections was introduced into Northern Ireland. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.179.131.222 (talk) 15:09, 21 June 2018 (UTC)[reply]

See https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/sinn-fein-hit-out-at-gerrymandering-electoral-boundary-changes-36500844.html — Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.179.131.222 (talk) 15:23, 21 June 2018 (UTC)[reply]