PDHJ warns of the danger of using political money during campaigning

The Provedor for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) warns of the danger of using political money to buy votes because this will impinge on freedom, it is a crime.

“Political money is not allowed. Political parties are not allowed to offer money and then ask people to vote for them. During the campaign period and during the vote people must be able to decide freely whom they will vote for,” said the Deputy PDHJ Silverio Pinto Baptista, (11/06), from his office in Caicoli, Dili.

He also mentioned some public servants take time off work to go campaigning and use state resources.

“We will look into the matter of public servants. When they attend rallies, we will check whether they are adhering to the rules of not. If they received an authorization or not and whether they put in a leave of absence form. We will look into this because political money is dangerous and good governance is required,” said Deputy Baptista.

Meanwhile Member of Parliament (MP) David Diaz said political money equals buying votes with money and this is not needed and he hopes this does not happen.

“For example if I speak to someone and I tell this person that I will give them money so long as you vote for me,” said MP Diaz.
He added when political money is allowed to be part of political campaigning this spells the end to Democracy.