Political advertising: any breach punishable by law

The Independent Higher Authority for Elections (IHAE) announces that Article 315 of the Criminal Code will be enforced, instead of administrative sanctions, against any party or political group that will not respect the decision to ban political advertising. A statement of IHAE, released Sunday, says that this decision comes after a significant number of breaches recorded in the implementation of its decision dated September 3, 2011, and providing for banning political advertising from September 12, 2011. These excesses involve the airing of advertisements on the media and the installation of billboards on the roads and public transportation means, said the statement. The IHAE calls on public authorities to ensure proper implementation of its decision to guarantee a healthy election environment. It also urges different concerned sides (parties, candidates, media and communication agencies) to implement standards in force in this framework to ensure the smooth running of elections, in accordance with the principles of transparency, neutrality and fairness with various electoral lists. The provisions of Article 315 of the Criminal Code pertain to the public authority, as indicated by the IHAE member in charge of legal affairs Mourad Mouelhi. Under this article are punishable by imprisonment for a period of 15 days and a fine of 4 dinars and 800 millimes, all persons who do not comply with the requirements of regulations and orders issued by the competent authority.