(1) Any person committing an illegal practice shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine (multa) not exceeding four hundred and sixty-five euro (465) and shall in consequence of such conviction become incapable, during a period of four years from the date of conviction, of being registered as a voter or voting at any election or of being elected a member, and if before that date he has been elected a member, his election shall, subject to the provisions of article 55 of the Constitution of Malta, be vacated from the date of such conviction.

(2) No prosecution for an illegal practice shall be instituted without the sanction of the Attorney General.