(CMR) The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Elections Office have agreed to no longer publish the names of candidates who have signed the Candidate’s Pledge following concerns that it might draw a negative inference for those who have not signed.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we note that the affirmation of both the Candidate’s and the Voter’s Pledges are only one of the many tools used to promote anti-corruption efforts,” the ACC stated in a press release.
In collaboration with the Elections Office, the ACC launched the General Election Against Corruption Today ‘ACT’ education campaign on 15 March. The campaign has been highlighted via several media. The Elections Office also highlighted the campaign information in a special briefing presentation attended by 120 agents and 8 candidates.
The campaign’s driving force is in support of the Elections Office’s efforts to enforce the fight against corruption as set out in the Elections Act. There continues to be a growing public call for accountability, transparency, and better governance, and to denounce any form of corruption in the Cayman Islands as a whole which was reinforced by the extension of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption to the Cayman Islands late last year.
“The ACC and the Elections Office wish to extend sincere thanks to the candidates and the general public for the support expressed since the launch of the campaign,” the release stated.
It went on to add that the support received has been highlighted through candidates’ advocacy against corruption during debates, public forums, and campaign meetings; and by voters through seemingly increased reporting and complaints of voter influence and public concerns about some activities and comments on the campaign trail.
“The ACC and the Elections Office continue to encourage the strong commitment of the Cayman Islands to the democratic process in our general elections,” the release added.