Bribing is pretty much of a big concern for the world-- not just for this forum. Even if there wasn't a merit system, nominees could bribe their voters with other currency (and yes, I imply that merits can be considered an in-forum currency, that is used to "purchase" certain ranks, which can later on give you money in return).

So, we should put some trust on the nominees, as we can't eliminate it completely. I don't have a problem with that, as long as the nominees promise to not bribe (if I recall correctly, bribing wasn't against the rules, nor had there been a discussion about it, and that's why some did abuse it).