Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer 2015-2016 Tabled
Elections Nova Scotia continues to deliver on its role as an independent, non-partisan agency responsible for conducting provincial elections and by-elections. Elections Nova Scotia’s Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer 2015-2016, tabled today in the House of Assembly, outlines progress on goals of the agency, and includes two recommendations; a call for legislation around political party leadership contests, and for clarity of the rules on government advertising during election periods.
The report observes that the Elections Act is silent on leadership contests for registered political parties, and CEO Richard Temporale is calling for new rules, “It is a question of transparency and the public’s right to know. The people of Nova Scotia have a right to know who helped the leadership candidates financially, in the same way as reporting of contributions are already required for parties, electoral district associations and candidates in each riding.”
The report examines a review of legislation, policies and procedures dealing with government advertising during an election period. The panel report suggested Communications Nova Scotia ensure its policies are broadened to explicitly prohibit most government advertising and communications during a general election or by-election.
The Chief Electoral Officer also reports on improvements to the List of Electors provided to municipalities for municipal council and school board elections. The report cites opportunities for municipalities and Elections Nova Scotia to collaborate on the municipal List of Electors and the provincial Register of Electors.
The annual report is available online at electionsnovascotia.ca/Annual-Reports.
Media contact:
Andy LeBlanc
Director, Policy & Communications
902-424-3275
Andy.LeBlanc@novascotia.ca
