Nauru

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Question Value
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties?
2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties?
4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties?
6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties?
8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties?
10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties?
12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    (1) It is unlawful for any employee of the public service or instrumentality of the Republic to campaign in support of a candidate for an election.

    (2) It is unlawful for any employee of the public service or instrumentality of the Republic to post or distribute any campaign material inside a public office in support of a candidate for an election.

    (3) It is unlawful for any employee of the public service or instrumentality of the Republic to use any Government resources to support a candidate for an election.

    (4) It is unlawful for any person to coerce, pressure or intimidate an employee of the public service or instrumentality of the Republic to carry out any of the acts prohibited in subsections (1), (2) and (3) above.

    (5) Any person who is in breach of any of the above subsections commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 year or to both.

    Source: Article 121, Electoral Act 2016, Act 15 of 2016

14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period?
15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit?
16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election?
17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit?
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign finacing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London, 2016

21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties?
22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London, 2016

23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities?
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing hence no official knowledge of who are donors to candidates

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regaultion of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

Question Value
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties?
29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding?
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding?
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)?
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?
34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    The only broadcast media is State owned and the Electoral Act prohibits the use of State resources for campaigning

  • Source

    The only media organisation in the country is the Nauru Media Bureau (NMB) which is under the authority of the Ministry of Communication and controlled by a Government Minister. The NMB manages the TV, radio and a monthly publication, ‘Mwinen Ko’.

    ….

    The Government issued a statement, stating that Government media was used only to highlight national programs undertaken by the Government and not for political campaigning. The Mission was advised that no individual MP, including from those Government, was given undue access to the public media for campaign purposes. The Electoral Commissioner subsequently clarified that the Electoral Act prohibits any candidate from using Government resources for  campaigning or election related activities

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    Premises were made available for campaign platform events

  • Source

    Campaign platform events were held during the week before the election in all eight constituencies, giving each of the candidates the opportunities to present their policies to voters.

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates?
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties?

Question Value
38. Is there a ban on vote buying?
  • CodeYes
  • Comment

    BLANK

  • Source

    (1) It is an offence for any person to offer their vote or support to a candidate for an election in exchange for any property or benefit.

    (2) A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both.

    Source: Article 124, Electoral Act 2016, Act 15 of 2016

     

    (1) A person commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 year or to both, if with the intent to corruptly influence a voter at an election, that person:

    (a) offers cash or promises or supplies food, drink or entertainment;

    (b) offers or promises to give cash or to pay for food, drink or entertainment;

    (c) offers or provides transport to or from polling stations;

    (d) offers, promises or gives a gift, donation or prize, including cash, to or for any person, club or association.

    (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), it is immaterial:

    (a) whether or not the offer was accepted before, on or after polling day; and

    (b) whether or not a promise if fulfilled before, on or after polling day.

    (3) It is on the person making the offer or promise to prove that the offer or promise was made under a customary obligation

    Source: Article 129, Electoral Act 2016, Act 15 of 2016

39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend?
40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit?
41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of political financing

  • Source

     

    “The Electoral Act does not place restrictions on campaign spending,….”

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report  The Commonwealth, London

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

     

42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of political financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Act does not place restrictions on campaign spending,….”

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report  The Commonwealth, London

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regualtion of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Act does not place restrictions on campaign spending,….”

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report  The Commonwealth, London

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign expenditure. All broadcast media is state owned

  • Source

    The Electoral Act does not place restrictions on campaign spending,….”

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report  The Commonwealth, London

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign expenditure

  • Source

    “The Electoral Act does not place restrictions on campaign spending,….”

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report  The Commonwealth, London

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign expenditure

  • Source

    “The Electoral Act does not place restrictions on campaign spending,….”

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report  The Commonwealth, London

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

Question Value
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances?
48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no political party system in Nauru and there is no regaultion of campaign financing

  • Source

    Nauru does not have a political party system, so all members of Parliament are effectively independent members

    Source: Parliament of Nauru webpage, http://www.naurugov.nr/parliament-of-nauru/about-parliament/who-comprises-parliament.aspx, accessed 2 January 2018

    “The Electoral Act does not place restrictions on campaign spending,….”

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report  The Commonwealth, London

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

     

49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

     

50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances?
  • CodeNo
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment

    Therecis no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates?
  • CodeNo Institution specified
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations?
  • CodeNo institution specified
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations?
  • CodeNot applicable
  • Comment

    There is no regulation of campaign financing

  • Source

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions?
  • CodeFines | Prison
  • Comment

    Sanctions are applied only in relation to vote buying

  • Source

    (1) It is an offence for any person to offer their vote or support to a candidate for an election in exchange for any property or benefit.

    (2) A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both.

    Source: Article 124, Electoral Act 2016, Act 15 of 2016

     

    (1) A person commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 year or to both, if with the intent to corruptly influence a voter at an election, that person:

    (a) offers cash or promises or supplies food, drink or entertainment;

    (b) offers or promises to give cash or to pay for food, drink or entertainment;

    (c) offers or provides transport to or from polling stations;

    (d) offers, promises or gives a gift, donation or prize, including cash, to or for any person, club or association.

    (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), it is immaterial:

    (a) whether or not the offer was accepted before, on or after polling day; and

    (b) whether or not a promise if fulfilled before, on or after polling day.

    (3) It is on the person making the offer or promise to prove that the offer or promise was made under a customary obligation

    Source: Article 129, Electoral Act 2016, Act 15 of 2016

     

    The Electoral Commission could consider developing a regulatory framework for campaign financing, to provide for greater transparency and accountability

    Source: The Commonwealth (2016) Nauru General Election 9 July 2016 The Commonwealth Observer Mission Report, The Commonwealth, London

Disclaimer: Maps presented do not imply on the part of the Institute any judgement on the legal status of any territory or the endorsement of such boundaries, nor does the placement or size of any country or territory reflect the political view of International IDEA. Maps are used in order to add visual clarity to data.