Government pushes back on bills to decriminalise election-eve political content

Nicosia, Cyprus. The government resisted a proposal in parliament on Thursday to decriminalise the publication or reproduction of political content on the day before elections and on election day itself.

Current law

The existing legislation bans political messaging on the eve of elections and on polling day. Offenders face up to one year in prison, a fine of up to €5,000, or both. The purpose of the ban is to stop the circulation of material that could affect the election result.

Related: MPs Criticise Bill to Tighten Wealth Declaration Rules, Saying Current Law Is Strong

RelatedMPs Criticise Bill to Tighten Wealth Declaration Rules, Saying Current Law Is Strong

Why the issue emerged

The matter gained attention after police questioned several people over social media posts made shortly before the parliamentary elections in May this year. Some of those questioned were candidates for MP.

The bills

Akel and Alma have prepared two separate bills. Both seek to ease the restrictions and turn violations from criminal offences into administrative fines.

Akel proposes a fine of €2,000 for breaches. Under its draft, only paid advertisements and sponsored content would be prohibited during the so-called “silence period”. Ordinary people posting comments on social media would be exempt, although the exemption would not cover individuals classed as Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).

Objections from the attorney-general’s office

The attorney-general’s office argued that the €2,000 figure was too low. It also raised the question of whether such fines could actually be collected.