Agency: Using State-Owned Websites for Campaign Purposes Amounts to Abuse of Public Resources

Anti-Corruption Agency

The Anti-Corruption Agency appealed on political subjects and public office holders on June 1 to be responsible when using the Internet and social networks for campaign purposes, warning that political promotion relying on the websites owned by state bodies constituted abuse of public resources.

The agency said that reports by observers and complaints alleging violations of relevant laws indicated that the coronavirus pandemic "has largely shifted the election campaign to social networks and the Internet in general."

"The election right, which is universal and equal for all citizens of age, is a constitutional category. In that respect, clear and unambiguous support to political subjects taking part in elections is permitted and legitimate, but using public resources for that purpose is explicitly prohibited by law," the Anti-Corruption Agency said.