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CLP supporters' pamphlets found to be illegal

Posted August 8, 2008 10:10:00
Updated August 8, 2008 10:22:00

Letter written by security guard sexually harassed by Territory politician Len Kiely.

Letters asking voters not to re-elect Len Kiely.

The Northern Territory Electoral Commission has found that some Country Liberal supporters have broken the law.

Country Liberal volunteers have been writing letters explaining the reasons why they believe people should vote for the CLP candidate in their area.

The letters include facts about the candidate and personal tales from the volunteers.

Security guard Sondra McDonald, for example, has been distributing letters to the voters of Sanderson detailing how she was sexually harassed by sitting Labor member Len Kiely.

Labor has complained about the letters and the Electoral Commission says - on the evidence it has - the letters are a form of "electoral advertisement".

The commission says they breach the electoral act because they do not publish the name and address of the person authorising them.

The commission wants an explanation from the Country Liberals and has asked the party to stop its volunteers distributing the letters.

CLP Leader Terry Mills has distanced himself from the letters, saying neither he nor his party condones actions that break the law.

"I need to find out what has occurred. There has been an investigation. The findings of that investigation will be important. I made enquires last night. I know that an investigation is being conducted. I don't condone anything that is outside the rules."

Tags: government-and-politics, states-and-territories, nt, darwin-0800