Voters should show proof of identification at polling stations after the 2015 general election, the Electoral Commission has recommended.

In a review of electoral fraud issued today the watchdog reveals that although voting malpractice is not widespread, a significant proportion of the public are concerned that it is taking place.

The Commission has claimed this lack of faith risks undermining confidence in the electoral system if not tackled before the 2019 European and English local government elections.

Evidence gathered over the course of the review showed the current lack of a requirement for ID is both an actual and perceived weakness, the Commission found.

Although there is a potential to deter some voters, the watchdog concluded the risk could be managed for the sake of improving voter security.

However, the Commission has also urged for immediate action to tackle the threat of voter fraud in high-risk areas ahead of this May's European and local government elections.

And ahead of the 2015 general election, the review seeks to restrict the involvement of party campaigners in managing postal or proxy votes.

Chair of the Electoral Commission, Jenny Watson, said: ‘Although the introduction of individual electoral registration this year will tighten up the registration system, more can and should be done.

‘Looking ahead, the time has come for England, Scotland and Wales to move towards a requirement for voters to produce ID at polling stations.'