The Electoral Commission has called for tougher measures to protect voter secrecy and combat fraud in postal, proxy and overseas voting.

A new report from the elections watchdog said that with the use of postal voting increasing dramatically, there was public concern over the risks of electoral fraud.

The commission said the present declaration of identity should be replaced with a simpler, more effective alternative.

It recommended allowing registered postal voters to apply for a replacement ballot paper at any point up to 5.00pm on polling day.

It also called for a new annual registration form to include postal and proxy arrangements for overseas voters.

In a bid to deter those who engage in electoral fraud, the commission indicated its support for a "name and shame" policy for those found guilty by the courts.

"Proceedings against the relatively few offenders who are caught and successfully prosecuted should be given a higher profile and more widely publicised," said the report.

"The commission is willing to support the police, CPS, Procurator Fiscal and Returning Officers in securing such publicity."

There was also support for more rigorous checks for fraud after elections and a new offence of intending fraudulently to apply for a postal or proxy vote.

The watchdog said that giving police the power of arrest for suspected impersonating at any location rather than just polling stations should also be considered.

But the report indicated there was no problem with the advance opening of postal ballots.

"Nothing in the consultation responses has persuaded us that there is a strong case for preventing the continuation of advance opening of postal ballots in order to verify their validity.

"However, it is clearly essential that returning officers maintain due diligence in managing the process so that the scope for observers to obtain advance information about the votes cast is minimised."

Whether the report's recommendations are implemented depends on whether the government decides to give them backing.