Reform UK unveils proposals for electoral reform after by-election outcome | EUROtoday

Reform UK has unveiled proposals for electoral reform, together with a big restriction on postal voting and the removing of voting rights for Commonwealth residents.

Nigel Farage, outlining the social gathering’s plans within the Sunday Telegraph and the Mail on Sunday, asserted that postal voting has turned the UK’s elections right into a “laughing stock” and that permitting non-British residents to vote is “absurd”. Under Reform UK’s proposals, postal voting could be severely restricted to the aged, disabled, serving armed forces personnel, and people working abroad throughout an election. This contrasts with the present system, which permits any eligible voter to solid their poll by put up.

Furthermore, the social gathering goals to strip Commonwealth residents of their proper to take part in UK elections. Currently, Commonwealth residents who qualify as residents can vote in all kinds of UK elections, a provision Reform UK seeks to abolish.

A spokesperson for Reform UK confirmed the modifications wouldn’t have an effect on Irish residents, who even have the suitable to vote in parliamentary elections.

The coverage was born out of Mr Farage’s perception that permitting Commonwealth residents to vote “undermines national sovereignty” and results in elections being fought over worldwide somewhat than home points, Reform UK stated.

In 2012, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated there have been round 1.2 million Commonwealth nationals dwelling within the UK.

Mr Farage stated: “For too long, postal voting has allowed our elections to be turned into a laughing stock, riddled with fraud, intimidation and outright cheating. It’s been allowed to go on for years and has poisoned trust in our democracy.

“Meanwhile, allowing non-Brits – people with zero connection to this country – to vote on our future is absurd. It is right that only British citizens should be able to vote in British parliamentary elections.

“That’s why a Reform government will immediately ban wholesale postal voting and ensure only British citizens can vote in elections in order to bring back trust to British democracy.”

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The announcement comes after Reform UK requested the police to research allegations of election fraud within the Gorton and Denton by-election this week.

Election observer group Democracy Volunteers warned it had witnessed “concerningly high levels” of “family voting” – an unlawful observe the place two voters use one polling sales space and doubtlessly direct one another on voting.

Mr Farage promised to take “action” after the subsequent normal election if nothing is completed in regards to the allegations, including: “If this is what was happening at polling stations, just imagine the potential for coercion with postal votes.”

Tory social gathering chairman Kevin Hollinrake stated allegations of “family voting” going down within the Gorton and Denton by-election are “deeply concerning” however branded Reform UK’s plans a “headline-grabbing” train.

He stated: “Rushing to impose sweeping bans on postal voting is a kneejerk reaction that risks disenfranchising pensioners, disabled people and overseas British citizens who rely on postal ballots to have their say.

“We must safeguard our elections with proportionate, evidence-based reforms, not headline-grabbing measures that could lock law-abiding voters out of our democratic process.”

The Reform UK chief has steadily complained about postal voting when his events have misplaced by-elections.

When his former social gathering, Ukip, misplaced the Oldham West and Royton by-election in 2015, Mr Farage alleged postal votes had been abused, saying the outcome raised questions in regards to the conduct of elections in constituencies with giant ethnic minority communities.

When his Brexit Party misplaced the Peterborough by-election in 2019, Farage once more criticised the postal vote system.

The Brexit Party candidate challenged the lead to courtroom however later withdrew the problem and was ordered to pay the profitable Labour candidate’s authorized prices.

The newest Electoral Commission information, from 2024, reveals no proof of large-scale election fraud within the UKwith 94% of allegations resolved domestically with “words of advice”, or ensuing within the police taking no additional motion.

Reform UK MP Richard Tice questioned the validity of postal ballots when his social gathering’s candidate misplaced the Rochdale by-election in 2024, stressing the outcome ought to act as a “serious wake-up call” to the voters and people in energy.

In none of these circumstances was postal voting fraud ever proved and none resulted in any convictions.