SDLP in appeal for electoral reforms

The SDLP is to press for National Insurance numbers to be used at polling stations in a bid to stamp out electoral fraud, the party revealed today.

SDLP chairman Alex Attwood and Mid-Ulster representative Eilis Haughey confirmed ahead of a meeting with the Chief Electoral Officer the party was suggesting National Insurance numbers should be used to cross check votes in an attempt to tackle impersonation and intimidation at polling stations.

A party delegation, headed by deputy leader Seamus Mallon and also involving Omagh councillor Seamus Shields, will also present Mr Stanley with a list of 39 queries about the last Westminster and local government elections.

Among the amendments to the Electoral Fraud (NI) Bill, the SDLP is proposing at its meeting with Dennis Stanley are:

:: The use of National Insurance numbers on the household registration form to enable checking for multiple vote registration.

:: A 100 yard neutral zone around polling stations to enable voters to have free and unhindered access.

:: The introduction of a system of proportional representation for Westminster elections.

:: The upgrading of information technology in the Electoral Office for cross checking Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Department of the Environment rating and other electoral information.

Mr Attwood said: ‘‘Our proposals are designed to come up with a much more accessible way of verifying votes.

‘‘But we will also be looking for more rigour in the way the Electoral Office deals with applications for postal and proxy votes.

‘‘In our list of queries about the last elections, we will be specifically raising issues about the training of electoral staff, disability access, the management of polling stations.

‘‘Our community struggled for one person, one vote and the establishment of a fair society. From the moment of registration through to the moment of voting that principle needs to be upheld.’’