In a democratic society governed by the rule of law, public infrastructure and development projects belong to the people not to any political party or elected government. They do not own development projects, nor should they present them as rewards for political support or consequences for political dissent. More importantly, the Election Offences Act 1954 recognises the seriousness of any conduct that may improperly influence voters. Section 9 of the act prohibits undue influence, including conduct intended to interfere with or influence voters in the free exercise of their electoral right. Development is a right of the people, not a tool to influence political choices.