Maintaining Fair Play: A Recap of the NDC Election Standards
The NEAR Digital Collective (NDC) Election is a seminal event for our community. In the spirit of transparency, decentralization, and fair play, the Election Integrity Council (EIC) has been established to ensure that these values are upheld during this critical process.
The Mandate of The Election Integrity Council
The EIC’s primary role is to enforce the Fair Voting Policy throughout the inaugural NDC election. Their mandate isn’t just about ensuring that votes are cast correctly but also that the election’s integrity remains unblemished.
EIC’s Core Guidelines and Prohibitions
Hide your Cash (now Opact) Usage
- In line with the majority decision of the EIC and the Fair Voting Policy, participants are urged not to use “Hide your Cash” (recently renamed “Opact”) until after the election concludes.
Vote Manipulation and Integrity
- Vote Buying/Selling: Directly incentivizing votes is expressly forbidden. Any contravention will be met with disciplinary actions by the EIC. Additionally, using financial mixers or obfuscated funds to sidestep this rule is prohibited. Detected votes that are bought or sold will be rendered void.
- Uniqueness of Votes: Every vote should authentically represent an individual’s choice. Proxy voting or controlling multiple accounts is unacceptable. Such votes will be nullified.
- Voter Intimidation: The NDC stands firmly against all forms of voter intimidation.
Fair Campaigning Commitment
- Respectful Communication: All participants must communicate with respect and civility. Any form of derogatory speech, personal affronts, or harassment is strictly prohibited.
- Truthful Representation: Candidates are required to provide accurate details about their qualifications and intentions. Misrepresentations will not be tolerated.
- Fair Competition: Underhanded tactics, such as vote buying, spreading misinformation about competitors, or any form of voter intimidation, are banned.
Account Funding: Clarifying Misconceptions
One of the hot topics surrounding this election is the funding of voting accounts. Here’s what you need to know:
- Single Cases of Funding: Funding single voting accounts doesn’t automatically translate to a breach of the Fair Voting Policy. However, the EIC strongly advises against this practice to maintain the spirit of a fair election.
- Mass-Funding and Voting Patterns: If the EIC identifies clear patterns between mass-funding of voting accounts and specific voting behaviors, it could be indicative of a breach in the Fair Voting Policy. Such patterns could be attempts to unduly influence the election outcome.
- Consequences of Breaching the Fair Voting Policy: Detected breaches can have serious consequences. Apart from disqualifying the votes cast, candidates associated with such breaches could also face disqualification.
FAQs
Q: What is the role of the Election Integrity Council?
A: The EIC is responsible for ensuring the Fair Voting Policy is adhered to during the NDC election. They oversee the voting process, monitor account funding behaviors, and enforce the rules to maintain election integrity.
Q: Can I fund my friend’s voting account?
A: While single instances of funding voting accounts don’t necessarily breach the Fair Voting Policy, it’s strongly advised against to maintain fairness. Mass-funding, especially if linked with particular voting patterns, could be considered a breach.
Q: What happens if someone is found breaching the Fair Voting Policy?
A: Breaches can lead to the disqualification of votes cast. In severe cases or clear patterns of manipulation, candidates associated with the breach might also be disqualified.
Q: How can I ensure I’m not unintentionally breaching the Fair Voting Policy?
A: Stay informed. Familiarize yourself with the guidelines, avoid mass-funding of accounts, and ensure your voting behavior is genuine and not influenced by external funding or pressures.
Q: If I suspect a breach, how can I report it?
A: The EIC encourages community members to report any suspicious activities.
