The Greater London Authority Elections Rules 2007

• (a) references to delivering a ballot paper to a voter were to causing a voter’s vote to be marked on a ballot paper, and

• (b) in rule 38(1G), the reference to paragraph (1) of rule 38 were to paragraph (1) of this rule.

• (2) The name and number on the register of electors of every voter whose vote is marked in pursuance of this rule, and the reason why it is so marked, must be entered on a list (in these Rules called “the list of votes marked by the presiding officer”). In the case of a person voting as proxy for an elector, the number to be entered together with the voter's name must be the elector's number.

• (3) In the case of a person in respect of whom a notice has been issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act , paragraph (2) applies as if for “on the register of electors of every voter” there were substituted “relating to every voter in respect of whom a notice has been issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act”.

• (4) The same list may be used for each relevant election or referendum, and where it is so used, an entry in that list must be taken to mean that the ballot papers were so marked in respect of each election or referendum, unless the list identifies the election or referendum at which the ballot paper was so marked.

Voting by persons with disabilities

40

• (1) If a voter makes an application to the presiding officer to be allowed, on the ground of—

• (a) blindness or other disability, or

• (b) inability to read,

to vote with the assistance of another person by whom he is accompanied (in these Rules referred to as “the companion”), the presiding officer must require the voter to declare, orally or in writing, whether he is so incapacitated by his blindness or other disability, or by his inability to read, as to be unable to vote without assistance.

• (2) Subject to paragraph (2A), if the presiding officer—

• (a) is satisfied that the voter is so incapacitated, and

• (b) is also satisfied by a written declaration made by the companion (in these Rules referred to as “the declaration made by the companion of a voter with disabilities”) that the companion—

• (i) is a qualified person within the meaning of these Rules, and

• (ii) has not previously assisted more than one voter with disabilities to vote at the election,

the presiding officer must grant the application, and then anything which is by these Rules required to be done to, or by that voter in connection with the giving of his vote may be done to, or with the assistance of, the companion.

• (2A) Paragraphs (1A) to (1M) of rule 38 apply in the case of a voter who applies under paragraph (1) of this rule as those paragraphs apply in the case of a voter who applies under rule 38(1), but as if—

• (a) references to delivering a ballot paper to a voter were to granting a voter’s application, and

• (b) in rule 38(1G), the reference to paragraph (1) of rule 38 were to paragraph (1) of this rule.

• (3) For the purpose of these Rules, a person is a voter with disabilities if he has made such a declaration as is mentioned in paragraph (1) above, and a person may be qualified to assist a voter with disabilities to vote if that person is aged 18 or over.

• (4) The name and number in the register of electors of every voter whose vote is given in accordance with this rule and the name and address of the companion must be entered on a list (in these Rules referred to as the “list of voters with disabilities assisted by companions”). In the case of a person voting as proxy for an elector, the number to be entered together with the voter's name must be the elector's number.

• (5) In the case of a person in respect of whom a notice has been issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act, paragraph (4) applies as if for “in the register of electors of every voter” there were substituted “relating to every voter in respect of whom a notice has been issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act”.

• (6) The declaration made by the companion—

• (a) must be in the appropriate form, and

• (b) must be made before the presiding officer at the time when the voter applies to vote with the assistance of a companion, and

• (c) must forthwith be given to the presiding officer who must attest and retain it.

• (7) No fee or other payment may be charged in respect of the declaration.

• (8) The same list of voters with disabilities assisted by companions may be used for each relevant election and referendum, and where it is so used, an entry in that list must be taken to mean that the votes were so given in respect of each election and referendum, unless the list identifies the election or referendum for which the vote was so given.

Tendered ballot papers: circumstances where available

41

• (1) If a person, representing himself to be—

• (a) a particular elector named in the register and not named in the absent voters list, or

• (b) a particular person named in the list of proxies as proxy for an elector and not entitled to vote by post as proxy,

applies for a ballot paper after another person has voted in person either as the elector or his proxy, the applicant must, on satisfactorily answering the questions permitted by law to be asked at the poll, be entitled, subject to the following provisions of this rule and rule 42, to mark a ballot paper (in these Rules referred to as “a tendered ballot paper”) in the same manner as any other voter.

• (2) Paragraph (4) applies if—

• (a) a person applies for a ballot paper representing himself to be a particular elector named in the register,

• (b) he is also named in the postal voters list, and

• (c) he claims that he did not make an application to vote by post at the election.

• (3) Paragraph (4) also applies if—

• (a) a person applies for a ballot paper representing himself to be a particular person named as a proxy in the list of proxies,

• (b) he is also named in the proxy postal voters list, and

• (c) he claims that he did not make an application to vote by post as proxy.

• (4) The person must, on satisfactorily answering the questions permitted by law to be asked at the poll, be entitled, subject to the following provisions of this rule and rule 42, to mark a ballot paper (in these Rules referred to as a “tendered ballot paper”) in the same manner as any other voter.

• (5) Paragraph (6) applies if before the close of the poll but after the last time at which a person may apply for a replacement postal ballot paper, a person represents himself to be—

• (a) a particular elector named in the register who is also named in the postal voters list, or

• (b) a particular person named as a proxy in the list of proxies and who is also named in the proxy postal voters list,

and claims that he has lost or has not received his postal ballot paper.

• (6) The person must, on satisfactorily answering the questions permitted by law to be asked at the poll, be entitled, subject to the provisions of this rule and rule 42, to mark a ballot paper (in these Rules referred to as a “tendered ballot paper”) in the same manner as any other voter.

• (7) Paragraphs (1A) to (1M) of rule 38 apply in the case of a person who seeks to mark a tendered ballot paper under this rule as they apply in the case of a voter who applies for a ballot paper under rule 38(1), but as if, in rule 38(1G) the reference to making a further application under paragraph (1) of rule 38 were to seeking a further time to mark a tendered ballot paper under the paragraph of this rule under which the first such attempt was made.

Tendered ballot papers: general provisions

42

• (1) A tendered ballot paper must—

• (a) be of a colour differing from the other ballot papers,

• (b) instead of being put into the ballot box, be given to the presiding officer and endorsed by him with the name of the voter and his number on the register of electors, and set aside in a separate packet.

• (2) The name of the voter and his number on the register of electors must be entered on a list (in these Rules referred to as the “tendered votes list”).

• (3) In the case of a person voting as proxy for an elector, the number to be endorsed or entered together with the voter's name must be the number of that elector.

• (4) In the case of an elector who has an anonymous entry, this rule and rule 41 apply subject to the following modifications—

• (a) in paragraphs (1)(b) and (2) above, the references to the name of the voter must be ignored,

• (b) otherwise, a reference to a person named on a register or list must be construed as a reference to a person whose number appears in the register or list (as the case may be).

• (5) In the case of a person in respect of whom a notice has been issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act, this rule and rule 41 apply as if—

• (a) in rule 41(1)(a), (2)(a) and (5)(a), for “named in the register” there were substituted “in respect of whom a notice under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act has been issued”,

• (b) in paragraph (1)(b) of this rule, for “his number in the register of electors” there were substituted “the number relating to him on a notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act”,

• (c) in paragraph (2) of this rule, for “his number in the register of electors” there were substituted “the number relating to him on a notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act”.

• (6) The same list may be used for each relevant election or referendum, and where it is so used, an entry in that list must be taken to mean that tendered ballot papers were marked in respect of each election or referendum, unless the list identifies the election for which a tendered ballot paper was delivered.

Spoilt and replacement ballot papers

43

• (1) A voter who has inadvertently dealt with his ballot paper in such manner that it cannot be conveniently used as a ballot paper may, on delivering it to the presiding officer and proving to his satisfaction the fact of the inadvertence, obtain a replacement for the ballot paper so delivered (in these Rules referred to as “a spoilt ballot paper”), and the spoilt ballot paper must be immediately cancelled.

• (2) If a voter decides, after he has returned his ballot paper and it has been cancelled in accordance with rule 38(6), but before the close of the poll, that he wishes to vote in the election, he may obtain a replacement for the returned ballot paper.

• (3) Before a replacement ballot paper is obtained, the presiding officer must mark the corresponding number list that was marked under rule 38(1) (the corresponding number list)—

• (a) in the case of a ballot paper being replaced under paragraph (1) or (2), beside the number of the replacement ballot paper obtained to show—

• (i) the number of the elector, and

• (ii) the number of the ballot paper which is being replaced; and

• (b) in the case of a ballot paper being replaced under paragraph (1), beside the number of the spoilt ballot paper to show that the ballot paper was replaced.

• (4) Where the election is taken with a relevant election or referendum the voter must only receive a replacement for a spoilt or returned ballot paper.

• (5) If the same corresponding number list is used for more than one Authority election in accordance with rule 38(8)—

• (a) the marks made under paragraph (3) must identify the election for which a ballot paper has been replaced, and

• (b) any ballot paper which the voter has not applied for or obtained as a replacement, but which bears the same ballot paper number as a ballot paper delivered under rule 38(1), or obtained under paragraph (1) or (2) of this rule—

• (i) must not be delivered to the voter,

• (ii) must be cancelled, and

• (iii) for the purposes of these rules, must be treated as a spoilt ballot paper.

Correction of errors on day of poll

44

• (1) The presiding officer must keep a list of persons to whom ballot papers are delivered in consequence of an alteration to the register made by virtue of section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act which takes effect on the day of the poll.

• (2) The same list may be used for each relevant election or referendum, and where it is so used, an entry in that list must be taken to mean that ballot papers were delivered in respect of each election or referendum, unless the list identifies the election or referendum at which a tendered ballot paper was marked.

Adjournment of poll in case of riot

45

• (1) Where the proceedings at any polling station are interrupted or obstructed by riot or open violence, the presiding officer must adjourn the proceedings till the following day and must forthwith give notice to the CRO.

• (2) Where the poll is adjourned at any polling station—

• (a) the hours of polling on the day to which it is adjourned must be the same as for the original day, and

• (b) references in these Rules to the close of the poll must be construed accordingly.

• (3) As soon as practicable after the CRO has received notice of the adjournment of a poll he must inform the GLRO of that fact and of the cause of its adjournment.

• (4) If the CRO does not discharge the functions specified in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, then references in this rule to the CRO must be read as references to the returning officer who discharges those functions.

Procedure on close of poll

46

• (1) As soon as practicable after the close of the poll, the presiding officer must, in the presence of the polling agents appointed for the purposes of the election and each relevant election or referendum, make up into separate packets, sealed with his own seal and the seals of such polling agents as desire to affix their seals—

• (a) each ballot box in use at the station, sealed so as to prevent the introduction of additional ballot papers and unopened, but with the key attached,

• (b) the unused and spoilt ballot papers placed together,

• (c) the tendered ballot papers,

• (d) the marked copies of the register of electors (including any marked copy notices issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act) and of the list of proxies,

• (da) the ballot paper refusal list completed in accordance with rule 42A,

• (e) the list prepared under rule 18, including the part completed in accordance with rule 38(1)(b) (together referred to in these Rules as “the completed corresponding number list”),

• (f) the certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll,

• (g) the tendered votes list, the list of voters with disabilities assisted by companions, the list of votes marked by the presiding officer, a statement of the number of voters whose votes are so marked by the presiding officer under the heads “disability” and “unable to read”, the list maintained under rule 44, and the declarations made by the companions of voters with disabilities,

and must deliver the packets or cause them to be delivered to the CRO to be taken charge of by him; but if the packets are not delivered by the presiding officer personally to the CRO, the arrangements for their delivery must be approved by the CRO.

• (2) The contents of the packets referred to in paragraph (1)(b), (c) and (f) must not be combined with the contents of the packets made under the corresponding rule that applies at any other relevant election or referendum except for an Authority election.

• (3) The marked copies of the register of electors and of the list of proxies must be in one packet but must not be in the same packet as the completed corresponding number list or the certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll.

• (4) The packets must be accompanied by a statement (“the ballot paper account”) showing the number of ballot papers entrusted to the presiding officer, and accounting for them under the heads—

• (a) ballot papers issued and not otherwise accounted for,

• (b) unused ballot papers,

• (c) spoilt ballot papers, and

• (d) tendered ballot papers.

• (5) At an ordinary election, the statement referred to in paragraph (4) may be combined with the statements produced in relation to any other Authority elections, but not with those for a relevant election or referendum, and the combined statement must be arranged in such manner as the GLRO may direct.

• (6) Where the CRO does not discharge the functions specified in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, references in paragraph (1) to the CRO must be taken as references to the returning officer who discharges those functions.

Attendance at verification and the counting of votes

47

• (1) Where the CRO discharges the functions specified in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, he must—

• (a) make arrangements for —

• (i) carrying out the functions in rule 49(1) (separating ballot papers and verifying ballot paper accounts) at the election in the presence of the counting agents appointed for the purposes of the election and each relevant election and referendum as soon as practicable after the close of the poll, and

• (ii) for counting the votes in the presence of the counting agents appointed for the purposes of the election,

• (b) give to the counting agents appointed for the purposes of the election and each relevant election and referendum, notice in writing of the time and place at which he will begin carrying out the functions in rule 49(1).

• (2) Where the CRO does not discharge the functions specified in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations he must make arrangements for counting the votes in the presence of the counting agents appointed for the purposes of the election as soon as practicable after the delivery of the ballot papers to him by the returning officer who does discharge those functions; and the CRO must give to the counting agents for the election notice in writing of the time and place at which he will begin to count the votes.

• (3) No person other than a person entitled to be present at the counting of the votes at the election and at each relevant election or referendum may be present at the proceedings under rule 49(1) (separating ballot papers and verifying ballot paper accounts) unless permitted by the CRO to attend.

• (4) No person other than—

• (a) the CRO and his clerks and technical assistants,

• (b) the GLRO,

• (c) the candidates and one other person chosen by each of them,

• (d) the election agents,

• (e) the counting agents,

• (f) persons who are entitled to attend by virtue of any of sections 6A to 6D of the 2000 Act,

may be present at the counting of the votes in accordance with rule 49(2) to (14), unless permitted by the CRO to attend

• (5) A person not entitled to attend at the separation and verification or the counting of the votes must not be permitted to do so by the CRO unless the CRO—

• (a) is satisfied that the efficient separation and verification of the ballot paper accounts or, as the case may be, the efficient counting of the votes will not be impeded, and

• (b) has either consulted the candidates or thought it impracticable to do so.

• (6) The CRO must give the counting agents all such reasonable facilities for overseeing the proceedings, and all such information with respect to them, as he can give them consistently with the orderly conduct of the proceedings and the discharge of his duties in connection with them.

Use of the electronic counting system

48

• (1) The GLRO may provide the CRO with an electronic counting system consisting of computer hardware, software and other equipment or services, for the purpose of counting the number of ballot papers, to verify the ballot paper accounts and to count the votes cast on them.

• (2) Any verification of ballot paper accounts, count or re-count at the election conducted using the electronic counting system must be conducted in accordance with rule 49.

• (3) If the GLRO has provided the CRO with an electronic counting system for use at the election, the CRO must obtain the prior written consent of the GLRO before he may conduct the verification of ballot paper accounts or count the votes manually.

• (4) If the verification of ballot paper accounts, count or re-count has commenced using the electronic counting system but has not been completed, the CRO may, if he considers it appropriate, discontinue the count and instead count the votes manually.

• (5) Where the count or a re-count has been conducted using the electronic counting system, the CRO may, if he considers it appropriate, conduct any re-count without using that system.

• (6) Where verification or any count or re-count is conducted using the electronic counting system, any of the steps referred to rule 49, in so far as practicable, may be undertaken—

• (a) concurrently with any other of those steps, or

• (b) in a different order.

Verification and the local count

49

• (1) Where the CRO discharges the functions specified in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, he must—

• (a) in the presence of the counting agents appointed for the purposes of the election and each relevant election or referendum, open each ballot box from each polling station together, and record separately the number of ballot papers used in the election and each relevant election or referendum with which is it is taken,

• (b) in the presence of the counting agents appointed for the purposes of the election and each relevant election or referendum, verify each ballot paper account at the election and for each relevant election or referendum,

• (c) count such of the postal ballot papers as have been duly returned and record separately the number counted at the election and each relevant election or referendum,

• (d) where the same ballot boxes have been used for the election and each relevant election or referendum, separate the ballot papers for all of the Authority elections from those for any other relevant election or referendum.

• (e) make up into packets the ballot papers for each relevant election or referendum (not including those for any Authority election) and seal them up in separate containers endorsing on each a description of the area to which the ballot papers relate,

• (f) deliver or cause to be delivered to the returning officer for the relevant election or referendum to which the ballot papers relate—

• (i) those containers, together with a list of them and of the contents of each, and

• (ii) the ballot paper accounts together with a copy of the statement as to the result of their verification in respect of that relevant election or referendum, and

• (g) at the same time deliver to that officer the packets that so relate containing–

• (i) the unused and spoilt ballot papers,

• (ii) the tendered ballot papers, and

• (iii) the completed corresponding number lists of the used ballot papers and the certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll.

• (2) Where the CRO does not discharge the functions specified in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, and the votes on the ballot papers are not to be counted concurrently with the votes on the ballot papers at a relevant election or referendum, he must—

• (a) on receipt of the containers of ballot papers from the returning officer who does discharge those functions, and after the time specified in the notice given by him in writing to the counting agents under rule 47(2), open each container in the presence of the counting agents;

• (b) where the proceedings on the issue and receipt of postal ballot papers at the election are not taken together with those proceedings at a relevant election or referendum under regulation 65 of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 , or under that regulation as applied by regulations made under sections 44 and 105, or 45 and 105, of the Local Government Act 2000 , count such of the postal ballot papers as have been duly returned and record the number counted,

and paragraph (10) below does not apply to these proceedings.

• (3) Where separate ballot boxes are used for the ballots at the election and each relevant election and referendum, no vote for any candidate shall be rendered invalid by the ballot paper being placed in the ballot box used at any relevant election or referendum.

• (4) Where the same ballot boxes are used for the election and other Authority elections, but not for other relevant elections or referendums—

• (a) the CRO must not mix the ballot papers for Authority elections from any ballot box or container with the contents of any other ballot box or container (including a postal ballot box) during the conduct of verification (where this occurs under paragraph (1)), the count or any re-count;

• (b) the ballot boxes from each polling station for the Authority elections shall be opened together and the ballot papers counted (but not necessarily the votes on them) and verified together.

• (5) A postal ballot paper must not be taken to be duly returned unless—

• (a) it is returned in the manner set out in paragraph (6) and reaches the CRO or any polling station in the appropriate area (as defined in paragraph (7)) ... before the close of the poll,

• (b) the postal voting statement, duly signed, is also returned in the manner set out in paragraph (6) and reaches him or such polling station before that time,

• (c) the postal voting statement also states the date of birth of the elector or proxy (as the case may be), ...

• (d) in a case where the steps for verifying the date of birth and signature of an elector or proxy have been prescribed by regulations made under the 1983 Act , the CRO (having taken such steps) verifies the date of birth and signature of the elector or proxy (as the case may be), and

• (e) the postal ballot paper is not one that falls to be rejected in accordance with regulation 79B, 79D, 82B or 82D of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001.

• (6) The manner in which any postal paper or postal voting statement may be returned—

• (a) to the CRO, is by hand or by post,

• (b) to a polling station in the appropriate area, is by hand.

• (6A) A postal ballot paper or postal voting statement that reaches the CRO or a polling station in the appropriate area at or after the close of the poll is treated for the purposes of paragraph (5) as reaching that officer or polling station before the close of the poll if it is delivered by a person who, at the close of the poll, is in the polling station, or in a queue outside the polling station, for the purpose of returning it.

• (7) For the purposes of paragraphs (5), (6) and (6A), “polling station in the appropriate area” means a polling station—

• (a) in the area which is common to the Assembly constituency, and parliamentary constituency ..., electoral area or voting area, as the case may be, in which the polls at the Authority election and a relevant election or referendum are being taken together, and

• (b) in respect of which polls the voter has been issued with a postal ballot paper.

• (8) After completing the proceedings in paragraph (1) or (2), the CRO must cause the electronic counting system to process the ballot papers for the election so as to count—

• (a) the number of ballot papers, and

• (b) votes given on the ballot papers.

• (9) The CRO must not cause the electronic counting system to count any tendered ballot paper.

• (10) Subject to paragraph (11), the CRO must verify each ballot paper account by comparing it with the number of ballot papers recorded by him, and the unused and spoilt ballot papers in his possession and the tendered votes list (opening and resealing the packets containing the unused and spoilt ballot papers and the tendered votes list) and must draw up a statement as to the result of the verification, which any election agent may copy.

• (11) The CRO may verify each ballot paper account for the election by comparing it with the number of ballot papers processed by the electronic counting system, and the unused and spoilt ballot papers in his possession and the tendered votes list (opening and resealing the packets containing the unused and spoilt ballot papers and the tendered votes list).

• (12) The CRO, while verifying the ballot paper accounts and counting the votes, must take all proper precautions for preventing any person from seeing the numbers printed on the back of the papers.

• (13) The CRO must so far as practicable proceed continuously with counting the votes, allowing only time for refreshment, except that the hours between 5 in the afternoon and 10 on the following morning may be excluded with the prior consent of the GLRO.

• (14) During the time so excluded the CRO must—

• (a) place the ballot papers and other documents relating to the election under his own seal and the seals of such of the counting agents as desire to affix their seals, and

• (b) otherwise take proper precautions for the security of the papers and documents.

Rejected ballot papers

50

• (1) Any ballot paper—

• (a) which does not bear the official mark,

• (aa) on which votes are given for more than one candidate,

• (b) on which anything is written or marked by which the voter can be identified except the printed number and other unique identifying mark on the back,

• (c) which is unmarked,

• (d) which is void for uncertainty,

is, subject to paragraph (2), void and must not be counted.

• (2) A ballot paper on which the vote is marked—

• (a) elsewhere than in the proper place, or

• (b) otherwise than by means of a cross, or

• (c) by more than one mark,

must not for such reason be void if an intention that the vote is for one only of the candidates clearly appears.

• (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (4) Where the electronic counting system identifies a ballot paper that has been marked, but which appears to be void then that ballot paper must be examined by a clerk appointed by the CRO in the manner referred to in paragraph (7).

• (5) If the clerk, having examined the ballot paper, considers that it is void then the CRO must examine it in the manner referred to in paragraph (7).

• (6) After the CRO examines the ballot paper he must give his decision as to whether or not it is void.

• (7) An examination under paragraph (4) or (5) is to be made by the clerk or CRO examining an image of the ballot paper which is shown on a screen so as to be visible to those attending the count.

• (8) The CRO may examine any ballot paper that he is not required to examine in accordance with paragraphs (5)—

• (a) either in the manner referred to in paragraph (7), or

• (b) by examining a paper copy,

and where the CRO does so, he must give a decision on that paper in accordance with paragraph (6),

• (9) No person attending the count is to be entitled to require the clerk or CRO to examine a ballot paper or to provide a paper copy for inspection.

• (10) A record of the CRO's decision under paragraph (6) must be retained in the electronic counting system together, in the case of a decision that the ballot paper is void, with his reasons by reference to paragraph (1).

• (11) If a counting agent objects to the CRO’s decision that the ballot paper is void the CRO must record on the electronic counting system that the decision was objected to.

• (12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (13) The CRO must draw up a statement showing the number of rejected ballot papers under the several heads of—

• (a) want of an official mark,

• (b) voting for more than one candidate ...,

• (c) writing or mark by which the voter could be identified,

• (d) unmarked ..., and

• (e) void for uncertainty.

• (14) As soon as practicable after the completion of the statement under paragraph (13) the CRO must inform—

• (a) such candidates, election agents and counting agents as are present at the count, and

• (b) the GLRO,

of its contents.

• (15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Decisions on ballot papers

51

The decision of the CRO on any question arising in respect of a ballot paper is final, but may be subject to review on an election petition.

Re-count

52

• (1) A candidate or his election agent or a counting agent authorised under rule 30(3) may, if present when the counting or any re-count of the votes, is completed, require the CRO to have the votes re-counted or again re-counted but the CRO may refuse to do so if in his opinion the request is unreasonable.

• (2) No step may be taken on the completion of the counting or any re-count of votes, until the candidates and election agents and counting agents authorised under rule 30(1) present at its completion have been given a reasonable opportunity to exercise the right conferred by this rule.

• (3) The CRO may determine the extent to which any re-count involves the electronic counting of votes.

• (4) When the returning officer uses the electronic counting system for the re-counting of votes, he must not re-consider any decision made on any ballot paper under rule 50(6).

Procedure at conclusion of local count

53

• (1) As soon as practicable after the conclusion of the local count (including any re-count), the CRO must draw up a statement showing—

• (a) the total number of ballot papers used,

• (b) the total number of rejected ballot papers,

• (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (d) ... the number of votes given for each candidate.

• (2) As soon as practicable after the statement is drawn up under paragraph (1), the CRO must inform the GLRO of its contents, and if it is practicable to do so, must also provide that information so as to show the total number of votes under each of those heads in each ward.

• (3) As soon as practicable after the GLRO has authorised him to do so, the CRO must—

• (a) inform such of the candidates and their election agents as are then present of the contents of the statements prepared in accordance with rule 50 and paragraph (1) of this rule, and

• (b) give public notice of the contents of those statements.

Attendance at the central calculation

54

• (1) The GLRO must make arrangements for making the calculations made under rule 55 in the presence of the election agents and he must give to those agents notice in writing of the time and place at which he will begin the calculation.

• (2) No person other than—

• (a) the GLRO and his clerks,

• (b) the CROs and a clerk or technical assistant chosen by each of them,

• (c) the candidates and one person chosen by each of them,

• (d) the election agents,

• (e) persons who are entitled to attend by virtue of any of sections 6A to 6D of the 2000 Act,

• (f) at an ordinary election, the persons permitted to be present at the central calculation at the election of the Mayor of London,

may be present at a calculation, unless permitted by the GLRO to attend.

• (3) A person not entitled to attend a calculation must not be permitted to do so by the GLRO unless he—

• (a) is satisfied that the efficiency of the calculation will not be impeded, and

• (b) has either consulted the election agents or thought it impracticable to do so.

The first calculation and resolution of equality

55

• (1) As soon as the GLRO has received the information required by rule 53 from every CRO he must ascertain the total number of votes given in the Assembly constituencies to each candidate.

• (2) As soon as the GLRO has ascertained the result of the calculation, he must inform such of the election agents as are then present of the relevant figures and must give them a reasonable opportunity to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the calculation.

• (3) In paragraph (2), “the relevant figures” means the number of votes given in each Assembly constituency for each candidate and the total number of votes given for each candidate.

• (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (5) Where the total number of votes given for each candidate is unequal the person to be returned as the Mayor is the candidate to whom the majority of the votes is given.

• (6) Where there is an equality in the number of votes given for any candidates and the addition of a vote would entitle any of those candidates to be returned as Mayor, the GLRO must forthwith decide between those candidates by lot, and proceed as if the candidate on whom the lot falls had received an additional vote.

• (7) In a case to which paragraph (5) or (6) applies, the declaration of the person to be returned as the Mayor must be made in accordance with rule 58.

PART 5 — Further Provision: More Than Two Candidates

The second calculation and resolution of equality

56

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART 6 — Final Proceedings In Contested And Uncontested Elections

Declaration of result

57

• (1) The GLRO must declare to be elected as the Mayor of London the candidate who, in accordance with section 4(2) of the 1999 Act (including that provision as applied by section 16(4) at an election to fill a vacancy), is to be returned as the Mayor at that election.

• (2) The GLRO must give public notice of—

• (a) the name of the of the person declared to be elected and his authorised description, if any, within the meaning of rule 6(5) or (7),

• (b) the total number of ... votes given for each candidate,

• (c) ... and

• (d) the number of rejected ballot papers at the election under each head shown in the statement of rejected ballot papers, ...

• (e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (3) In an uncontested election, the GLRO must as soon as practicable after the latest time for the delivery of notices of withdrawals of candidature—

• (a) declare to be elected the candidate remaining validly nominated, and

• (b) give public notice of the name of the person declared to be elected and his authorised description, if any, within the meaning of rule 6(5) or (7).

• (4) Subject to paragraph (5), after the GLRO complies with paragraphs (1) and (2), he may in so far as is practicable, give public notice of the information referred to paragraph (2)(b) and (d) so as to set out the number of votes falling under each of those heads, in respect of each ward.

• (5) Where the sum of ... votes given for all candidates in any ward does not exceed 500, the GLRO must not give notice under paragraph (4) in respect of that ward alone, but must amalgamate the figures for that ward with those for any other ward in which more than 500 votes have been given, in the same Assembly constituency.

Return or forfeiture of candidate's deposit

58

• (1) Unless forfeited in accordance with paragraph (5), the deposit made under rule 9 must be returned to the person making it or his personal representative.

• (2) Subject to paragraph (4), the deposit must be returned not later than the next day after that on which the result of the election is declared.

• (3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)—

• (a) a day must be disregarded if, in accordance with rule 4, it would be disregarded in computing any period of time for the purposes of the timetable for the election, and

• (b) the deposit must be treated as being returned on a day if a cheque for the amount of the deposit is posted on that day.

• (4) If the candidate is not shown as standing nominated in the statement of persons nominated, or if proof of his death has been given to the GLRO before the ... calculation under rule 55, the deposit must be returned as soon as practicable after the publication of the statement or after his death, as the case may be.

• (5) Where a poll is taken, if, after the ... calculation under rule 55, the candidate is found not to have polled more than one-twentieth of the total number of ... votes polled by all the candidates, the deposit must be forfeited to the Greater London Authority.

PART 7 — Disposal Of Documents

Sealing up of ballot papers

59

• (1) On the completion of the counting at a contested election the CRO must seal up in separate packets the counted and rejected ballot papers.

• (2) Where some or all of the votes have been counted using the electronic counting system, the CRO must also seal up in a separate packet a complete electronic record (“the electronic record”) of the information stored in the electronic counting system, held in such device as may be suitable for the purpose of its storage.

• (3) After making the electronic record under paragraph (2), the CRO must arrange for the original records in the electronic counting system to be removed from it and destroyed in a manner that ensures that the secrecy of those records is preserved.

• (4) The CRO must not open the sealed packets of—

• (a) tendered ballot papers, or

• (aa) the completed ballot paper refusal list, or

• (b) certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll.

• (5) Where the CRO discharges the functions referred to in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, he must also not open the sealed packets of—

• (a) the completed corresponding number lists,

• (b) marked copies of the register of electors (including any marked copy notices issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act) and lists of proxies.

Delivery and retention of documents

60

• (1) The CRO must then forward the following documents to the relevant registration officer—

• (a) the packets of ballot papers in his possession,

• (b) the packet containing the electronic record (if any),

• (c) the ballot paper accounts and the statements of rejected ballot papers and of the result of the verification of the ballot paper accounts,

• (d) the tendered votes lists, the lists of voters with disabilities assisted by companions, the lists of votes marked by the presiding officer and the related statements, the lists maintained under rule 44 and the declarations made by the companions of voters with disabilities,

• (da) the packet containing the completed ballot paper refusal list,

• (e) the packets of the completed corresponding number lists,

• (f) the packets of certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll, and

• (g) the packets containing marked copies of registers (including any marked copy notices issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act) and of the postal voters list, of the lists of proxies and of the proxy postal voters list,

endorsing on each packet a description of its contents, the date of the election to which they relate and the name of the Assembly constituency for which the election was held.

• (2) At an election where the returning officer does not discharge the functions referred to in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, paragraph (1) must have effect as if sub paragraphs (d), (e) and (f) were omitted.

Orders for production of documents

61

• (1) An order—

• (a) for the inspection or production of any rejected ballot papers in the custody of the relevant registration officer, or

• (b) for the opening of a packet containing the electronic record or a sealed packet of completed corresponding number lists or certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll or the inspection of any counted ballot papers in the custody of the relevant registration officer,

may be made by a county court, if the court is satisfied by evidence on oath that the order is required for the purpose of instituting or maintaining a prosecution for an offence in relation to ballot papers, or for the purpose of an election petition.

• (1A) An order—

• (a) for the opening of the sealed packet containing a completed ballot paper refusal list, or

• (b) for the inspection or production of that list,

may be made by the county court if satisfied by evidence on oath that the order is required for the purpose of an election petition.

• (2) An election court may make an order for the opening of a packet containing the electronic record or a sealed packet of completed corresponding number lists or certificates or for the inspection of any counted ballot papers in the custody of the relevant registration officer.

• (3) An order under this rule may be made subject to such conditions as to—

• (a) persons,

• (b) time,

• (c) place and mode of inspection,

• (d) production or opening,

as the court making the order thinks expedient; but in making and carrying into effect an order for the opening of a packet containing the electronic record or a packet of completed corresponding number lists or certificates or for the inspection of counted ballot papers, care must be taken that the way in which the vote of any particular elector has been given must not be disclosed until it has been proved—

• (i) that his vote was given, and

• (ii) that the vote has been declared by a competent court to be invalid.

• (4) An appeal lies to the High Court from any order of a county court under this rule.

• (5) Any power given under this rule to a county court may be exercised by any judge of the court otherwise than in open court.

• (6) Where an order is made for the production by the relevant registration officer of any document in his custody relating to any specified election—

• (a) the production by him or his agent of the document or electronic record ordered in such manner as may be directed by that order will be conclusive evidence that the document or electronic record relates to the specified election, and

• (b) any endorsement on any packet of ballot papers so produced will be prima facieevidence that the ballot papers are what they are stated to be by the endorsement.

• (7) The production from proper custody of —

• (a) a ballot paper purporting to have been used at any election, or

• (b) a copy of the electronic record which purports to record that a particular ballot paper was used at any election, and

a completed corresponding number list with a number written beside the number of the ballot paper, will be prima facieevidence that the elector whose vote was given by that ballot paper was the person who, at the time of the election, had affixed to his entry in the register of electors or on the notice issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act, the same number as was written on the completed corresponding number list.

• (8) Unless authorised by this rule, no person may be allowed to inspect any rejected or counted ballot papers in the custody of the relevant registration officer or open any sealed packets of completed corresponding number lists, certificates of employment on the day of the poll or containing the electronic record.

Retention and destruction of documents and records

62

The relevant registration officer must retain or cause to be retained for one year all documents and, where applicable, electronic records relating to an election forwarded to him in pursuance of these Rules by a CRO, and then, unless otherwise directed by an order of a county court, a Crown Court, a magistrate's court or an election court, must cause them to be destroyed.

PART 8 — Death Of Candidate

Deceased independent candidate

63

• (1) This rule applies if at a contested election proof is given to the GLRO's satisfaction before the result of the election is declared that one of the persons named or to be named in the ballot papers as an independent candidate has died.

• (2) Subject to this rule and rules 65 and 66, these rules apply to the election as if the candidate had not died.

• (3) The following provisions of these rules do not apply in relation to the deceased candidate—

• (a) rule 33(1)(c) and (d) (admission to polling station),

• (b) rule 47(3)(c) to (e) (attendance at count),

• (c) rule 58(5) (forfeiture of deposit).

• (4) If only two persons are shown as standing nominated in the statement of persons nominated the GLRO must—

• (a) if polling has not begun, countermand the notice of poll,

• (b) if polling has begun, direct that the poll is abandoned, and

• (c) subject to rule 66, treat the election as an uncontested election.

• (5) For the purposes of this rule a person is named or to be named on the ballot papers as an independent candidate if the description (if any) on his nomination paper is not authorised as mentioned in rule 6(5) or (7).

Deceased independent candidate wins

64

• (1) This rule applies if at an election mentioned in rule 63 the deceased candidate is given a majority of votes in accordance with rule 55(5) or (6).

• (2) Rule 57 (declaration of result) does not apply but the GLRO must—

• (a) declare that the majority ... of votes has been given to the deceased candidate,

• (b) declare that no person is returned, and

• (c) give public notice of the relevant figures supplied to election agents in accordance with rule 57(2) together with the number of rejected ballot papers under each head shown in the statement of rejected ballot papers.

• (3) The provisions of these Rules as to the inspection, production, retention and destruction of ballot papers and other documents apply to any documents relating to a poll to which paragraph (1) applies as they would if the election had resulted in a declaration under rule 57.

• (4) Rule 58 (return or forfeiture of candidate's deposit) does not apply in relation to the remaining candidates.

• (5) The election must be commenced afresh within the period of 35 days (computed in accordance with rule 4) beginning with the day of the election to which paragraph (1) applies.

• (6) The proceedings with reference to the recommenced election must be conducted in accordance with these Rules as modified by the following provisions of this rule and the provisions in the By-election timetable.

• (7) No fresh nomination is necessary in the case of a person shown in the statement of persons nominated for the election to which paragraph (1) applies, and no other nomination may be made for the recommenced election.

• (8) Instead of the information required by rule 5(1)(a) (date by which nomination papers must be received), the notice of election issued at the recommenced election must state that no fresh nomination may be made.

• (9) Rule 9 (deposit) does not apply.

Party candidate

65

• (1) This rule applies if—

• (a) at a contested election, proof is given to the GLRO's satisfaction before the result of the election is declared that one of the persons named or to be named as a candidate in the ballot paper has died, and

• (b) that person is standing in the name of a registered party.

• (2) The GLRO must—

• (a) countermand notice of the poll, or

• (b) if polling has begun, direct that the poll be abandoned,

and the provisions of section 39(1) and (5) (local elections void etc. in England and Wales) of the 1983 Act apply in respect of the unfilled vacancy.

• (3) For the purposes of this rule—

• (a) a person stands in the name of a registered party if his nomination paper contains a description which is authorised as mentioned in rule 6(5) or (7).

• (b) a registered party is a party which is registered under Part 2 of the 2000 Act.

Abandoned poll

66

• (1) This rule applies to—

• (a) a poll which is abandoned in pursuance of rule 63(4)(b) as if it were a poll at a contested election, or

• (b) a poll which is abandoned in pursuance of rule 65(2)

• (2) The presiding officer at any polling station must take the like steps (so far as not already taken) for the delivery to the CRO of the ballot box and of ballot papers and other documents in his possession as he is required to do on the close of the poll.

• (3) The CRO must dispose of the ballot papers and other documents in his possession as he is required to do on the completion of the counting of the votes.

• (4) It is not necessary for a ballot paper account to be prepared or verified.

• (5) The CRO must take no step or further step for the counting of the ballot papers or of the votes.

• (6) The CRO must seal up all the ballot papers (whether the votes on them have been counted or not) and it will not be necessary to seal up counted and rejected ballot papers in separate packets.

• (7) The provisions of these Rules as to the inspection, production, retention and destruction of ballot papers and other documents relating to a poll at an election apply subject to the modifications in paragraphs (8) and (9).

• (8) Ballot papers on which the votes were neither counted nor rejected must be treated as counted ballot papers.

• (9) No order is to be made for—

• (a) the production or inspection of any ballot papers, or

• (b) for the opening of a sealed packet of completed corresponding number lists or certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll,

unless the order is made by a court with reference to a prosecution.

• (10) The countermand of the notice of poll or abandonment of the poll at the election, will not effect the poll at each relevant election or referendum.

SCHEDULE 8 — COMBINED MANUAL COUNT RULES

Citation

1

This Schedule may be cited as the Combined Manual Count Rules.

Interpretation

2

• (1) In this Schedule—

• “CMER” means the Constituency Members Election Rules in Schedule 5;

• “LMER” means the London Members Election Rules in Schedule 6;

• “MER” means the Mayoral Election Rules in Schedule 7;

• “relevant election or referendum” means one or more of the following—a Parliamentary election,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .a local government election (including another Authority election where more than one is taken together),a local authority mayoral election or referendum in accordance with regulations made under sections 44 and 105, or 45 and 105, of the Local Government Act 2000 .

• (2) If the votes at an Authority election, which is combined with a relevant election or referendum, are counted without the use of an electronic counting system, the CMER, the LMER and the MER, will have effect as if the provisions listed in column (1) of Table 1 were modified as shown in column (2).

(1)Rule(s)	(2)Modification
CMER rule 17 (ballot papers)	In paragraph (3)(a) omit “, so far as practicable for the purposes of electronic counting,”
LMER rule 18 (ballot papers)	In paragraph (4)(a) omit “, so far as practicable for the purposes of electronic counting,”
MER rule 17 (ballot papers)	In paragraph (3)(a) omit “, so far as practicable for the purposes of electronic counting,”
CMER rule 47 (attendance at verification and theCounting of votes)LMER rule 48 (attendance at verification and the local count)MER rule 47 (attendance at verification and the local count)	In paragraph (4)(a) omit the words “and technical assistants”.After paragraph (6) insert—7In particular, where the votes are counted by sorting the ballot papers according to the candidate for whom the vote is given and then counting the number of ballot papers for each candidate, the counting agents must be entitled to satisfy themselves that the ballot papers are correctly sorted..
CMER rule 49 (verification and the count)LMER rule 50 (verification and the local count)	After paragraph (1)(d) insert—daseparate the ballot papers relating to the election from those relating to the other Authority elections..After paragraph (2)(b) insert—cmix together the postal ballot papers and the ballot papers from all of the containers and count the votes given on them,.Omit paragraph (4).For paragraph (8) substitute—8After completing the proceedings under paragraph (1) or (2), the CRO must mix together the ballot papers used at the election and count the votes given on them.In paragraph (9) omit “cause the electronic counting system to”.Omit paragraph (11).
MER rule 49 (verification and the local count)	After paragraph (1)(d) insert—daseparate the ballot papers relating to the election from those relating to the other Authority elections..After paragraph (2)(b) insert—cmix together the postal ballot papers and the ballot papers from all of the containers and count the votes given on them,.Omit paragraph (4). For paragraph (8) substitute— 8After completing the proceedings under paragraph (1) and (2), the CRO must mix together all of the ballot papers used at the election in the Assembly constituency and count the votes given on them..In paragraph (9) omit “cause the electronic counting system to”.Omit paragraph (11).
CMER rule 50LMER rule 51(rejected ballot papers)	For paragraph (3) substitute—3The CRO must endorse the word “rejected” on any ballot paper which under this rule is not to be counted, and must add to the endorsement the words “rejection objected to” if any objection to his decision is made by a counting agent..Omit paragraphs (4) – (10).
MER rule 50 (rejected ballot Papers)	For paragraph (4) substitute—4The CRO must endorse the word “rejected” on any ballot paper which under this rule is not to be counted, and must add to the endorsement the words “rejection objected to” if any objection to his decision is made by a counting agent.Omit paragraphs (5) to (12). In paragraph (13) omit sub-paragraph (e) and for sub-paragraph (d) substitute— dunmarked or void for uncertainty..
LMER rule 54 (procedure at conclusion of local count)	For paragraph (2) substitute—2As soon as practicable after the statement is drawn up under paragraph (1), the CRO must inform the GLRO of its contents..
MER rule 53 (procedure atConclusion of local count)	Omit paragraph (1)(c)(iii).For paragraph (2) substitute—2As soon as practicable after the statement is drawn up under paragraph (1), the CRO must inform the GLRO of its contents..
LMER rule 55 (attendance at allocation of seats)MER rule 54 (attendance at the central calculation)	In paragraph (2)(b) omit “or technical assistant”.
. . .	. . .
. . .	. . .
CMER rule 54 (declaration of result)	Omit paragraphs (2) and (3).
LMER rule 57 (declaration of result)	Omit paragraphs (3) and (4).
MER rule 57 (declaration of result)	Omit paragraphs (2)(e), (4) and (5).

SCHEDULE 9 — REQUIREMENTS FOR NOTICES FOR GUIDANCE OF VOTERS

Interpretation

1

In this Schedule—

• “CMER” means the Constituency Members Election Rules in Schedule 1 or 5;

• “LMER” means the London Members Election Rules in Schedule 2 or 6;

• “MER” means the Mayoral Election Rules in Schedule 3 or 7.

Requirement relating to all notices

2

Notices must be provided by the GLRO for the guidance of voters in accordance with the CMER, LMER, MER.

3

Notices for the guidance of voters to be exhibited—

• (a) outside the polling station,

• (b) inside the polling station—

• (i) in the communal areas, and

• (ii) in a voting compartment,

may differ depending on where they are to be displayed.

4

Notices provided must be of the same description and appearance or in a form to the like effect for use at all polling stations in all Assembly constituencies.

5

Notices may contain any information providing guidance to voters as to how to exercise their vote in a manner that will ensure that it is regarded as validly cast and can be efficiently processed by the electronic counting system if one is in use, but must not contain—

• (a) any material referring to or promoting any candidate or party at the election, other than such name and particulars of such candidate or registered party as may appear on a ballot paper at the election, or

• (b) any example or illustration referring to a candidate or a registered party that does not equally refer to all candidates and registered parties (as the case may be) at the election.

Requirements relating to specific notices

6

Notices for display inside a polling station must contain information explaining—

• (za) the relevant identification information,

• (a) which election each ballot paper is for,

• (b) how many votes a voter has in each election,

• (c) the marks to be used, and the manner in which they should be used, in order to ensure that a vote is counted for any candidate or party (as the case may be),

• (d) whether or not the voter should fold the ballot paper in two before showing the presiding officer the number and the other unique identifying mark on the back and putting it in the ballot box,

• (e) which ballot box the voter is to put their ballot paper into after recording their vote, and

• (f) what to do if the voter spoils a ballot paper.

7

Notices for display inside a polling station may also contain information giving examples or illustrating of any of the kinds of information in paragraph 5 of this Schedule.

8

Notices for display inside a voting compartment shall contain information explaining—

• (a) which election each ballot paper is for,

• (b) how many votes a voter has in each election.

9

Notices for display inside a polling booth may also contain—

• (a) the information mentioned in paragraph 6(c) to (f) of this Schedule, and

• (b) information giving examples or illustration of any of the information mentioned in paragraph 6(a) to (f) of this Schedule.

10

All notices shall be easily legible.

SCHEDULE 10 — Schedule of Forms

Interpretation

1

In this Schedule—

• “CMER” means the Constituency Members Election Rules in Schedule 1 or 5;

• “LMER” means the London Members Election Rules in Schedule 2 or 6;

• “MER” means the Mayoral Election Rules in Schedule 3 or 7.

2

The forms in this Schedule may be adapted so far as circumstances require (and in particular, for the purposes of electronic counting), but any adaptation made by the CRO must, where appropriate, be in compliance with any direction issued by the GLRO under rule 11.

Forms

• Form 1: Nomination paper (constituency and individual London member candidates)

• Form 2: Nomination paper (London member party list candidates)

• Form 3: Nomination paper (Mayor of London candidates)

• Form 4: Candidates consent to nomination

• Form 5: Ballot paper for constituency member elections

• Form 6: Ballot paper for London members elections

• Form 7: Ballot paper for mayoral elections

• Form 8: Corresponding number list L1

• Form 9: Corresponding number list L2

• Form 10: Postal voting statement (constituency member or mayoral by-election)

• Form 11: Postal voting statement (ordinary election)

• Form 12: Official poll card

• Form 13: Official postal poll card

• Form 14: Official proxy poll card

• Form 15: Official proxy postal poll card

• Form 16: Notices for the guidance of voters at by –elections and Ordinary elections

• Form 17: Notices for guidance of voters at Authority elections combined with another election

• Form 18: Certificate of employment

• Form 19: Declaration to be made by the companion of a voter with disabilities

• Form 20: Election agent’s declaration as to election expenses (list candidates)

• Form 21: List candidate’s declaration as to election expenses

[image omitted]

[image omitted]

[image omitted] [image omitted] [image omitted]

[image omitted]

[image omitted] [image omitted]

[image omitted] [image omitted]

[image omitted] [image omitted]

[image omitted]

[image omitted]

[image omitted] [image omitted]

[image omitted] [image omitted]

[image omitted] [image omitted]

[image omitted]

[image omitted] [image omitted]

[image omitted] [image omitted]

[image omitted] [image omitted] [image omitted] [image omitted]

[image omitted] [image omitted] [image omitted]

[image omitted]

[image omitted]

[image omitted]

[image omitted]

Signed

Signed by authority of the Secretary of State.

Bridget Prentice — Parliamentary Under Secretary of State — 2007-12-17

Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Order)

Footnotes