18. The system relies on an individual’s honesty. There is a normal general assumption that people declare the truth, which is followed by the wise provision of sanctions against those who do not. The Representation of the People Act of 1983, in Section 13D, makes it an offence for a person to provide any false information to the registration officer for any purpose connected with the registration of electors. Even a false signature [not the usual signature or one written by another person] constitutes false information. The punishment is commensurate to six months’ imprisonment or a fine not exceeding the fifth level on the standard scale.
