Canada campaign fraud case goes to judge

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OTTAWA, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Court arguments were wrapped up Monday in the case of eight voters trying to oust six Conservative members of Canada's Parliament for alleged campaign fraud.

An attorney for the plaintiffs told the court that while overturning an election is a serious matter, there are clear signs of fraud in the last federal election campaign, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

"We have done our best to put the evidence before you," Steven Shrybman said after outlining the alleged infractions, such as harassing and misleading phone messages and robocalls. "In our submission, it is accurate and reliable."

But a spokesman for the Conservative Party said the 220,000 people who cast ballots in the contested races should have their votes respected.

"These elections were fought and won cleanly," Fred DeLorey said. "It speaks volumes that despite the Council of Canadians' vigorous search and nationwide media attention, it was not able to produce a single elector to testify that he or she was prevented from voting."

Judge Richard Mosley is not expected to reach a decision until the spring. He also has yet to rule on a motion to dismiss the case made by Conservative Party lawyer Arthur Hamilton, who made his closing arguments Friday.

The contested races are in Nipissing-Timiskaming in Ontario, Elmwood-Transcona and Winnipeg South Centre in Manitoba, Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, Vancouver Island North and Yukon.