38. Is there a ban on vote buying?

114(1)During the campaign period, it shall be unlawful for political parties, candidates and their representatives, either personally or through other persons, to give or offer to any citizen money, gifts, material goods of any value (except for campaign material) or services free of charge, to sell goods or services to persons at a preferential price, or to promise to provide any monetary fund, gift, material goods or services of any value for the purpose of gaining or influencing votes.
(2)Any person who contravenes this section commits an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $50,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 10 years, or to both.

Source: Electoral Act 2014, Amended 2021

The Electoral Act 2014 makes vote buying a criminal offence punishable with severe fines (up to $50,000) or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. The Law has been amended in 2021 to clarify that this offence can only be committed during the campaign period.