Section 50: Contracts and payment of expenses

50. Contracts and payment of expenses (1) The election agent of a candidate shall appoint every sub-agent, clerk and messenger employed for payment on behalf of the candidate at an election, and hire every committee room hired on behalf of the candidate. (2) A contract whereby any expenses are incurred on account of, or in respect of, the conduct or management of an election shall not be enforceable against a candidate at the election unless made by the candidate himself, or by his election agent either by himself or by his sub-agent. (3) (a) Except as permitted by this Act, no payment, advance or deposit shall be made by a candidate at an election, or by an agent on behalf of the candidate, or by any other person, whether before, during, or after the R20 – 23 [Issue 4] Representation of the People Act election, in respect of expenses incurred on account of, or in respect of the conduct or management of the election, otherwise than by or through the election agent of the candidate, whether acting in person or by a sub-agent. (b) All moneys provided by a person other than the candidate for any expenses incurred on account of, or in respect of, the conduct or management of the election, whether as gift, loan, advance, or deposit, shall be paid to the candidate or his election agent and not otherwise. (c) This subsection shall not apply to a tender of security to, or any payment by, the returning officer or to any sum disbursed by a person out of his own money for any small expenses legally incurred by himself, if such sum is not repaid to him. (4) Any person who contravenes subsection (3) shall be guilty of an illegal practice. [S. 50 amended by Act 23 of 1989.]