Australian Electoral Commission Says It Does Not Want Power to Regulate Political Messaging

‘Our role is to look at the electoral process rather than the truth of statements by candidates about other candidates or party platforms,’ said the AEC.

Votes are counted at the Australian Electoral Commission in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 14, 2023. Martin Keep/AFP via Getty Images

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has said it does not want the power to regulate the messaging of political candidates due to the impact it would have on people’s trust.

During a recent Senate inquiry hearing, AEC’s representatives were questioned about their views on the Misinformation Bill and the issue that political messages could be considered dis- and misinformation.