Trolls could be stripped of vote in elections

SOCIAL media trolls who abuse MPs could be stripped of their right to vote, the elections watchdog has said.

The Electoral Commission said existing legislation on elections, which in part dates back to the 1800s, should be reviewed to bring laws up to date.

It suggested punishments for existing electoral offences, such as losing elected office or being disqualified from being registered as an elector, could also be used for those who abused MPs and candidates online.

‘It may be that similar special electoral consequences could act as a deterrent,’ the commission said.

A reform of electoral legislation would help in ‘clarifying and strengthening’ existing offences and identifying any gaps in the law, the commission said in evidence to the Committee on Standards in Public Life, which

‘Might act as a deterrent’

is investigating the intimidation faced by parliamentary candidates.

The commission also recommended updating electoral law to take proper account of social media posts, so people could see who is responsible for material placed online.

Tom Hawthorn, head of policy at the Electoral Commission, said: ‘Our strong tradition of free elections are an essential part of a healthy democracy, and people should be able to stand for election and campaign without fear of abuse or intimidation.

‘However, many offences in electoral law have not been reviewed or updated since they were first created in the 19th century.’

A Downing Street spokesman said Theresa May viewed the abuse and intimidation of candidates during the election as ‘unacceptable’, adding: ‘I think what she would say is that there is a clear difference between legitimate scrutiny and conduct that is fuelled by hate and personal abuse.’