Yes. All claims in respect of election expenses against a candidate or his or her election agent must be submitted to the election agent with 21 days of the declaration of the results of the elections. Claims submitted outside of…
Is there an overall blanket limitation on election expenses?
There is. The current law limits the total expenditure by the candidate and the election agent in respect of a parliamentary Election to $50,000. The corresponding amount for both Municipal/Regional Corporation Elections and Elections of the Tobago House of Assembly…
Posted in
Assuming that Ms. Citizen has incurred expenses relating to (i), (ii) and (iii) in the answer given to the last question, such expenses having been duly authorised by the election agent, is she too required to submit any return of such expenses?
Yes. Within 21 days after the date of publication of the result of the election, Ms Citizen is required to submit to the Chief Election Officer a return of the amount of such expenses accompanied by a sworn declaration. The…
Posted in
Are there any specific prohibitions against expenses not authorized by an election agent?
Yes. It is only the candidate, the election agent and persons authorised in writing by the election agent who may incur expenses in connection with the following: holding of public meetings or organising public displays; or issuing of advertisements, circulars…
Posted in
Is the benefactor required to provide a statement of what he or she has paid on behalf of the candidate?
Yes. A statement of particulars must be made, supported by bills and receipts and these documents must be submitted to the election agent in time for him or her to comply with the time-limit of 42 days mentioned earlier.
Posted in
Can any person meet the petty expenses such as would be incurred for the purchase of stationery, postage and the like, on behalf of a candidate?
Yes. But before meeting any such expenses the person must be authorised by the election agent to do so; such authorisation must state the limit of expenses. Any amount exceeding such limit has to be met by the election agent.
Posted in
Is the true return I have just referred to the only document to be submitted?
No. All bills and receipts must be sent in together with Form 4, duly completed.
Posted in
Are there any special forms to be used for the purpose of the Return and the Declaration?
Yes. Form 4 in the Prescribed Form Rules of the Representation of the People Act for the statement of the Return and Form 5 of the same Rules for the declaration.
Posted in
Is there a time limit on sending a Return of Election Expenses to the Chief Election Officer?
Yes. Within 42days after the declaration of the result of an election, the election agent must submit to the Chief Election Officer what is referred to as a true return, i.e. a statement of all payments made by the election…
Posted in
Is there any spending limit on the personal expenses of a candidate?
Yes. The candidate is allowed to pay personal expenses incurred in connection with or incidental to the election up to a maximum of $5000. Any additional expenses so incurred by the candidate shall be paid by the election agent.
Posted in