The T&T Transparency Institute is again calling for Campaign Finance reform.

In a statement, it notes reports which estimate campaign spending for this election at over $400 million.

It points out that these funds are being expended with no disclosure, no limits and no accountability, and warns that this can in turn allow corruption to follow.

It adds that the presence of campaign funding legislation and regulation will help prevent the undue influence of financiers and encourage a level playing field among the various political entities contesting an election.

TTTI says a fair and accountable political campaign financing system should include:

• Mandatory disclosure of all campaign contributions
• Limits on political donations from individuals and corporations
• Full transparency and auditing of campaign expenditures
• Empower the appropriate bodies with robust oversights and enforcement capabilities.

The Institute is calling on the newly elected Government to ensure campaign finance reform as soon as it takes office.