Romanian Senate Reduces Punishment For Election Campaign Bribery

According to the law, as amended by the Senate, offering money, goods or other incentives, during an election campaign, by a candidate, directly or through intermediaries, in order to determine a person to vote or not vote for a certain candidate, is a crime punishable by six months to three years in prison.

The current election law says the sentence for such acts is six months to five years in prison.

The senators adopted an amendment whereby the person receiving money or goods to vote a certain way may be punished by three months to one year in prison, or by a fine.

The Senate rejected a provision of the initial bill, which prohibited the use of any election material other than banners, posters or documents outlining the candidate/party's political platform. The senators also eliminated an article that made voting mandatory under threat of fine.

The bill was adopted with 104 votes for, two against and two abstentions. It will now be debated by the Chamber of Deputies.

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