Legalize / United Kingdom / Wales / Welsh-Statutory-Instrument

The Senedd Cymru (Representation of the People) Order 2025

Type Welsh-Statutory-Instrument

Publication 2025-07-09

Last updated 2026-02-05

State In force

Jurisdiction Wales

Department King's Printer of Acts of Parliament

Source legislation.gov.uk

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articles 1

Reform history JSON API

In rule 5, paragraph (4) is to be read as if for the words from “who, under” to the end of the paragraph, there were substituted the words “who, under paragraph 1 of Schedule 3 to the 2025 Order, is responsible for discharging functions specified in paragraph 2 of that Schedule to that Order”.

Schedule 2 (rules for conduct of an election of councillors for a principal area where poll is taken together with poll at a relevant election)

25

(1) Schedule 2 is to be read as if in each of the following places, for the words “regulations 4 and 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations” there were substituted the words “paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 3 to the 2025 Order”—

(a) rule 23(6) (corresponding number list);

(b) rule 27(6) (notice of poll);

(d) rule 29(4) (provision of polling stations);

(e) rule 30(6) (appointment of presiding officers and clerks);

(f) rule 32(14) (equipment of polling stations);

(g) rule 35(4) (notification of requirement of secrecy);

(h) rule 36(4) (return of postal ballot papers);

(i) rule 37(9) (admission to polling stations);

(j) rule 38(7) (keeping of order in station).

(2) In rule 27 (notice of poll), in paragraph (4), sub-paragraph (b) is to be read as if there were substituted for that sub-paragraph—

(b) specify the constituency to which the Senedd Cymru election relates, (ba) specify the area to which any other relevant election relates, and

PART 4 — Application of the Local Election (Communities) (Wales) Rules 2021 where the poll to fill a casual vacancy or vacancies of councillors to a community council is taken together with the poll at a Senedd general election under article 15(1)

Application and Modification of the Local Election (Communities) (Wales) Rules 2021: general provision

26

The following provisions of the Local Elections (Communities) (Wales) Rules 2021¹⁰⁶ apply where the poll to fill a casual vacancy or vacancies of councillors to a community council is taken together with the poll at a Senedd general election under article 15(1), subject to the modifications set out in this Part of this Schedule—

(a) rules 1 and 3;

(b) rule 4(3) to (7) in its application to Schedule 2;

(d) Schedule 2;

(e) Schedule 3.

Rule 3 (interpretation)

27

(1) In rule 3, paragraph (1) is to be read as if for the definition of “the Combination of Polls Regulations” there were substituted the following definition—

“the 2025 Order” (“Gorchymyn 2025”) means the Senedd Cymru (Representation of the People) Order 2025;

(2) In rule 3. paragraph (2) is to be read as if there were substituted for that paragraph—

(2) For the purposes of these Rules, each of the following is a “relevant election”— (a) a Senedd Cymru general election with which the poll at an election held in accordance with section 89(6) of the Local Government Act 1972 to fill a casual vacancy of councillors to a community council is combined; (b) an election held in accordance with section 89(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 to fill a casual vacancy of councillors to a county or county borough council where the poll for that election is combined with— (i) the poll at a Senedd Cymru general election, and (ii) the poll at an election held in accordance with section 89(6) of that Act to fill a casual vacancy of councillors to a community council.

Rule 4 (conduct of elections to a community council)

28

In rule 4, paragraph (4) is to be read as if for the words from “who, under” to the end of the paragraph, there were substituted the words “who, under paragraph 1 of Schedule 3 to the 2025 Order, is responsible for discharging functions specified in paragraph 2 of that Schedule to that Order.”

Schedule 2 (rules for conduct of an election of councillors for a community where poll is taken together with poll at a relevant election)

29

(1) Schedule 2 is to be read as if in each of the following places, for the words “regulations 4 and 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations” there were substituted the words “paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 3 to the 2025 Order”—

(a) rule 23(6) (corresponding number list);

(b) rule 27(6) (notice of poll);

(d) rule 29(4) (provision of polling stations);

(e) rule 30(6) (appointment of presiding officers and clerks);

(f) rule 32(14) (equipment of polling stations);

(g) rule 35(4) (notification of requirement of secrecy);

(h) rule 36(4) (return of postal ballot papers);

(i) rule 37(9) (signature of certificate as to employment);

(j) rule 38(7) (keeping of order in station).

(2) In rule 27 (notice of poll), in paragraph (4), sub-paragraph (b) is to be read as if there were substituted for that sub-paragraph—

(b) specify the constituency to which the Senedd Cymru election relates, (ba) specify the area to which any other relevant election relates, and

SCHEDULE 4 — Combination of polls: Senedd elections and police and crime commissioner elections

PART 1 — General

Returning officers and polling stations

1

(1) Where the polls at a Senedd general election and an ordinary election of police and crime commissioners are taken together under article 16(1)—

(a) those functions of the returning officer at the police and crime commissioner election which are specified in paragraph 2 must be discharged by the returning officer for a Senedd constituency for such part of the police area as is situated in the constituency, and

(b) only polling stations used for the Senedd general election are to be used for the police and crime commissioner election.

(2) Subject to sub-paragraph (3), where the polls at a Senedd general election and a police and crime commissioner election for related areas, within the meaning of article 16(4), are taken together under article 16(3)—

(a) the returning officers for those elections must decide which returning officer will discharge in the area in which the polls are combined (“the combined area”) those functions of the other which are specified in paragraph 2, and

(b) the only polling stations to be used in the combined area at such elections are the polling stations used at the election for which the returning officer who discharges the functions referred to in paragraph (a) acts as returning officer.

(3) Where the polls at a Senedd general election and a police and crime commissioner election for related areas, within the meaning of article 16(4), are taken together under article 16(3), sub-paragraph (1) applies.

Functions at combined polls

2

(1) The functions referred to in paragraph 1 are the functions conferred—

(a) in the case of a Senedd election, by Schedule 5 and which are specified in sub-paragraph (2), and

(b) in the case of a police and crime commissioner election, by those rules contained in an Order made under sections 58 and 154 of the 2011 Act¹⁰⁷ which correspond to the provisions specified in sub-paragraph (2).

(2) The functions referred to in sub-paragraph (1) are those functions in Schedule 5 conferred by—

(a) rule 27 (corresponding number list);

(b) rule 31(2) (notice of situation of polling stations etc);

(d) rule 35(1) and (2) (appointment of presiding officers and clerks) to the extent that the rule concerns the appointment of presiding officers and clerks to assist them;

(e) rule 37 (equipment of polling stations) as modified by paragraph 8 of this Schedule;

(f) rule 40(1) (notification of requirement of secrecy at polling station);

(g) rule 41(6) (surrender of certificate as to employment);

(h) rule 42(3)(b) (authorisation to order removal from polling station);

(i) paragraphs (2) to (6) of rule 58 (the count: steps) as modified by paragraph 20 of this Schedule.

Modification of provisions about expenses in this Order and the 2011 Act

3

(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where those functions of a returning officer at an election which are specified in paragraph 2 are discharged by the returning officer at another election under paragraph 1.

(2) References to the returning officer or the returning officer’s charges or expenditure—

(a) in article 23(1) to (5) and (7) to (9) (payments by and to returning officer),

(b) in article 24 (detailed assessment of returning officer’s account),

(d) in section 56 of that Act (taxation of returning officer’s account),

are, to the extent that such functions are discharged in accordance with paragraph 1, to be construed as references to the returning officer who discharges those functions and that returning officer’s charges or expenditure in respect of those functions.

(3) The references in section 55(9) of the 2011 Act to the returning officer or person acting as returning officer requesting an advance in respect of their expenses are, to the extent that those charges relate to the functions specified in paragraph 2, to include a reference to the returning officer who under paragraph 1 discharges those functions at the police and crime commissioner election.

(4) In relation to elections the polls at which are taken together under article 16(1) or (3), the Welsh Ministers may under article 23(1) include special provision—

(a) for services properly rendered, or expenses properly incurred, in respect of the discharge of functions specified in paragraph 2 by the returning officer who discharges those functions by virtue of paragraph 1, and

(b) in respect of the remuneration of presiding officers and clerks in connection with those functions.

PART 2 — Modifications to Schedule 5 to apply where the poll at a Senedd general election is taken together with a poll at a police and crime commissioner election under article 16(1) or (3)

Modifications to Schedule 5: general provisions

4

Where the poll at a Senedd general election is taken together with the poll at a police and crime commissioner election under article 16(1) or (3), Schedule 5 has effect subject to the modifications set out in the remaining paragraphs of this Part.

Rule 27A (colour of ballot papers)

5

Schedule 5 is to be read as if after rule 27 (corresponding number list) there were inserted—

(27A) Where the poll at a Senedd election is taken together with the poll at a police and crime commissioner election, the ballot paper to be used at the Senedd election must be of a different colour from that of any ballot paper to be used at the police and crime commissioner election.

Rule 31 (notice of poll)

6

Rule 31 is to be read as if after paragraph (4) there were inserted—

(5) Where the poll at a Senedd election is taken together with a poll at a police and crime commissioner election the notice published under paragraph (2) must— (a) state that the poll at the Senedd election is to be taken together with the poll at a police and crime commissioner election, (b) specify the relevant police area for which the election is held, and (c) where the polls are to be taken together in part of a Senedd constituency only, specify that part.

Rule 36 (issue of official poll cards)

7

Rule 36 is to be read as if after paragraph (6) there were inserted—

(6A) Where a poll at a Senedd election is taken together with a poll at a police and crime commissioner election, an official poll card issued under this rule may be combined with an official poll card issued at the police and crime commissioner election.

Rule 37 (equipment of polling stations)

8

(1) Rule 37 is to be read as if after paragraph (2) there were inserted—

(2A) The same ballot box may be used for the poll at the Senedd election and for the poll at the police and crime commissioner election. (2B) Where the same ballot box is not used under paragraph (2A) each ballot box must be clearly marked with— (a) the election to which it relates, as shown on the ballot papers for that election, and (b) the words “Rhowch y papur pleidleisio [nodwch liw’r papurau pleidleisio dan sylw] yma. Place the [specify the colour of the ballot papers in question] ballot paper here.”

(2) In rule 37, paragraph (12) is to be read as if there were substituted for that paragraph—

(12) Where the poll at a Senedd election is taken together with a poll at a police and crime commissioner election, a notice containing the following information must be exhibited inside each voting compartment in each polling station— (a) in respect of a Senedd election— Pleidleisiwch unwaith yn unig ar y papur pleidleisio. Peidiwch â rhoi unrhyw farc arall ar y papur pleidleisio, neu mae’n bosibl na chaiff eich pleidlais ei chyfrif. Vote only once on the ballot paper. Put no other mark on the ballot paper or your vote may not be counted. (b) in respect of a police and crime commissioner election— Pleidleisiwch dros UN YMGEISYDD YN UNIG drwy roi croes [x] yn y blwch wrth ochr eich dewis ar y papur pleidleisio lliw [lliw’r papur pleidleisio] ar gyfer comisiynwyr heddlu a throseddu. Peidiwch â rhoi dim marc arall ar y papur pleidleisio neu mae’n bosibl na chaiff eich pleidlais ei chyfrif. Vote for ONLY ONE CANDIDATE by putting a cross [x] in the box next to your choice on the police and crime commissioner ballot paper coloured [colour of ballot paper]. Put no other mark on the ballot paper or your vote may not be counted.

Rule 38 (appointment of polling and counting agents)

9

Rule 38 is to be read as if after paragraph (5) there were inserted—

(6) Where the poll at a Senedd election is taken together with a poll at a police and crime commissioner election, notices of the appointment of polling agents which are required by paragraphs (3) to (5) to be given to the returning officer, must be given to the returning officer who discharges the functions specified in paragraph 2 of Schedule 4.

Rule 41 (admission to polling station)

10

Rule 41 is to be read as if after paragraph (1)(j), there were inserted—

(k) persons entitled to be admitted to the polling station at the police and crime commissioner election.

Rule 44 (questions to be put to voters)

11

(1) Questions 1(b), 2(a) and (b), 3(b) and 4 in column (2) of Table 1 in rule 44(4), are to be read as if before the word “election” there is inserted the word “Senedd”.

(2) Questions 1(b), 2(a) and (b), 3(b) and 4 in column (3) of Table 1 in rule 44(4), are to be read as if after the words “yr etholiad hwn” there are inserted the words “i’r Senedd”.

Rule 46 (voting procedure)

12

Rule 46 is to be read as if after paragraph (7) there were inserted—

(7A) Where the poll at a Senedd election is taken together with a poll at a police and crime commissioner election, the same copies of the registration records may be used under paragraph (2) for each election and— (a) one mark may be placed in those records under paragraph (2)(d) or in the list of proxies under paragraph (2)(e) to denote that a ballot paper has been received in respect of each election, and (b) where a ballot paper has not been issued in respect of each election, a different mark must be placed in the registration records or list of proxies so as to identify the election in respect of which the ballot paper was issued.

Rule 47 (voters with a disability or unable to read: marking of votes by presiding officer)

13

Rule 47 is to be read as if after paragraph (5) there were inserted—

(6) Where the poll at a Senedd election is taken together with a poll at a police and crime commissioner election, the same list of votes marked by the presiding officer may be used for each election and, where it is so used, an entry in that list will be taken to mean that the ballot papers were so marked in respect of each election, unless the list identifies the election at which a ballot paper was so marked.

Rule 48 (voters with a disability or unable to read: assistance of companions)

14

In rule 48, paragraph (5) is to be read as if there were substituted for that paragraph—

(5) Where the poll at a Senedd election is taken together with the poll at a police and crime commissioner election, the companion’s declaration must be— (a) in form 21 set out in Welsh and English in Schedule 10, and (b) given to the presiding officer who must attest and retain it.

Rule 49 (voting with the assistance of a companion: supplemental provision)

15

Rule 49 is to be read as if after paragraph (5) there were inserted—

(6) Where the poll at a Senedd election is taken together with the poll at a police and crime commissioner election, the same list of voters with disabilities assisted by companions may be used for each election. (7) Where the same list is used under paragraph (6), an entry in that list is to be taken to mean the votes were given in respect of each election, unless the list identifies the election at which a vote was so given.

Rule 51 (tendered ballot papers: duties of presiding officer)

16

Rule 51 is to be read as if after paragraph (6) there were inserted—

(7) Where the poll at a Senedd election is taken together with a poll at a police and crime commissioner election, the same tendered votes list may be used for each election. (8) Where the same list is used under paragraph (7), an entry in that list is to be taken to mean that tendered ballot papers were marked in respect of each election, unless the list identifies the election at which a tendered ballot paper was so marked.

Rule 53 (correction of errors on the day of poll)

17

Rule 53 is to be read as if for that rule there were substituted—

(53) (1) The presiding officer must keep a list of persons to whom ballot papers are given 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) Where the poll at a Senedd election is taken together with a poll at a police and crime commissioner election, the same list may be used for each election and, where it is so used, an entry in that list is to be taken to mean that ballot papers were issued in respect of each election, unless the list identifies the election for which a ballot paper was issued.

Rule 55 (procedure on close of poll)

18

(1) In rule 55—

(a) the opening words of paragraph (2) are to be read as if after the words “polling agents” there were inserted the words “appointed for the purposes of the Senedd election and for the purposes of the police and crime commissioner election”;

(b) paragraph (3) is to be read as if after the words “polling agents” there were inserted the words “appointed for the purposes of the Senedd election and for the purposes of the police and crime commissioner election”.

(2) Rule 55 is to be read as if after paragraph (3) there were inserted—

(3A) Where the poll at a Senedd election is taken together with a poll at a police and crime commissioner election, the contents of the packets referred to in paragraph (3)(a), (b), (d) and (e) must not be combined with the contents of packets made under the corresponding rule that applies at a police and crime commissioner election, nor must the statement prepared under paragraph (8) be so combined.

Rule 56 (arrangements for the counting of votes)

19

Rule 56 is to be read as if after paragraph (2) there were inserted—

(3) Where the poll at a Senedd election is taken together with a poll at a police and crime commissioner election and the returning officer at the Senedd election (“S”) does not discharge the functions specified in paragraph 2 of Schedule 4, so that paragraphs (1) and (2) do not apply, S must— (a) make arrangements for counting the votes in the presence of the counting agents after the delivery of the ballot papers to S by the returning officer who does discharge those functions, and (b) give notice in writing to the counting agents of the time and place S will begin to count the votes if S has by then received the ballot papers. (4) Where the poll at a Senedd election is taken together with a poll at a police and crime commissioner election and the returning officer for the Senedd election is discharging the functions specified in paragraph 2 of Schedule 4, a reference in this rule and rule 57 to the “counting agents” also includes the counting agents appointed for the purposes of the police and crime commissioner election.

Rule 58 (the count: steps)

20

Rule 58 is to be read as if for that rule there were substituted—

(58) (1) Where the poll at a Senedd election is taken together with the poll at a police and crime commissioner election, the returning officer who discharges the functions specified in paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 must take the following steps. (2) The returning officer must, in the presence of the counting agents appointed for the purposes of the Senedd and police and crime commissioner elections, open each ballot box, take out the ballot papers, count them and separately record the number of ballot papers for each election. (3) The returning officer must not count any tendered ballot papers. (4) The returning officer must, in the presence of the election agents appointed for the purposes of the Senedd and police and crime commissioner elections verify each ballot paper account by comparing it with the number of ballot papers recorded, the unused and spoilt ballot papers in the returning officer’s possession and the tendered votes list, opening and resealing the packets containing the unused and spoilt ballot papers and tendered votes list. (5) The returning officer must prepare a statement as to the result of the verifications and give a copy of the statement to any election agent who requests it. (6) The returning officer must also— (a) count the postal ballot papers that have been properly returned (see paragraph (8)) and separately record the number counted at each election, (b) separate the ballot papers relating to each election, (c) make up into packets the ballot papers for each election other than the Senedd election and seal them up in separate containers endorsing on each a description of the area to which the ballot papers relate, (d) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the returning officer at the election to which the ballot papers relate— (i) the containers mentioned in sub-paragraph (c), 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 election, and (e) at the same time deliver, or cause to be delivered, to that officer packets that so relate containing— (i) the unused and spoilt ballot papers, (ii) the tendered ballot papers, and (iii) the completed corresponding number lists and the certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll. (7) Where separate ballot boxes have been used for Senedd and police and crime commissioner elections, no vote will be rendered invalid solely by the ballot paper being placed in the wrong ballot box. (8) A postal ballot paper is to be treated as properly returned if the ballot paper and the accompanying postal voting statement properly completed are— (a) handed in at a polling station in the appropriate area before the close of the poll, (b) given by hand to the returning officer before the close of the poll, or (c) received by the returning officer by post before the close of the poll. (9) A postal voting statement is properly completed if— (a) it is signed by the elector or the proxy, unless the registration officer has dispensed with the requirement for a signature, (b) it states the date of birth of the elector or the proxy, and (c) in a case where the returning officer is required to takes steps to verify the date of birth and signature of an elector or proxy in accordance with paragraph 23 of Schedule 2, the returning officer has taken those steps and verified the date of birth and, except in a case where the requirement for a signature has been dispensed with, the signature. (10) Where, at the close of the poll, a person is in the polling station, or in a queue outside the polling station, for the purpose of handing in a postal ballot paper and postal voting statement— (a) the person must be permitted to hand the ballot paper and statement in at the polling station, and (b) where handed in, they are to be treated as having been handed in before the close of the poll for the purposes of this rule. (11) The returning officer must not count the votes given on any ballot paper in relation to a Senedd election until— (a) in the case of postal ballot papers, they have been mixed with the ballot papers from at least one ballot box, and (b) in the case of ballot papers from a ballot box, they have been mixed with the ballot papers from at least one other ballot box. (12) While counting and recording the number of ballot papers and counting the votes, the returning officer must— (a) keep the ballot papers with their faces upwards, and (b) take such other precautions as are appropriate for preventing any person from seeing the numbers or other unique identifying marks printed on the back of the papers. (13) In this rule, “appropriate area” means the area common to the Senedd constituency and voting area in which the polls for the Senedd election and the police and crime commissioner election are being taken together and in respect of which polls the voter has been issued with a ballot paper.

Rule 67 (delivery of documents to registration officer at contested elections)

21

Rule 67 is to be read as if after paragraph (4) there were inserted—

(5) Where the poll at a Senedd election is taken together with a poll at a police and crime commissioner election and the Senedd returning officer does not discharge the functions specified in paragraph 2 of Schedule 4, paragraph (2) of this rule has effect as if sub-paragraphs (e), (h) and (i) were omitted.

Rule 72 (death of candidate)

22

Rule 72 is to be read as if after paragraph (5) there were inserted—

(6) Neither the countermand of the notice of poll at the Senedd election nor a direction that the poll be abandoned affects the poll at the police and crime commissioner election.

Rule 73 (abandoned poll)

23

Rule 73 is to be read as if after paragraph (5) there were inserted—

(6) Where the poll at a Senedd election is taken together with a poll at a police and crime commissioner election and the poll at the Senedd election is abandoned in accordance with rule 72(1)(b) (by reason of an individual candidate’s death)— (a) the steps required to be taken by the presiding officer at a polling station under paragraph (2) must take place at the close of poll, and (b) paragraph (4) is to be construed as if “Having separated the ballot papers relating to the police and crime commissioner election,” was inserted before “the returning officer” in the first place it occurs.

SCHEDULE 5 — Senedd election rules

PART 1 — Provision as to time

Timetable

1

(1) The proceedings at a Senedd election must be conducted in accordance with the following timetable—

Proceedings	Time
Publication of notice of election	Not later than the twenty-fifth day before the date of the poll.
Delivery of nomination papers	Not later than 4.00 p.m. on the nineteenth day before the date of the poll.
The making of objections to nomination papers	During the hours allowed for delivery of nomination papers on the last day for their delivery and the hour following, but—no objection may be made after 12 noon on the last day for the delivery of nomination papers, except to a nomination paper delivered within 24 hours of the last time for its delivery, andin the case of a nomination paper so delivered, no objection may be made to the sufficiency or nature of the particulars of a candidate unless made at or immediately after the time of the delivery of the nomination paper.
Delivery of notices of withdrawal of candidature	Not later than 4.00 p.m. on the nineteenth day before the date of the poll.
Publication of statement of parties and persons nominated	Not later than 4.00 p.m. on the eighteenth day before the date of the poll.
Polling	Between the hours of 7.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. on the date of the poll.

(2) In the Table in paragraph (1)—

(a) the reference to “nomination papers” includes individual nomination papers and party nomination papers;

(b) “making of objections to nomination papers”, in the case of making of an objection to a party nomination paper, includes the making of an objection to the nomination of any party list candidate on the list of candidates accompanying a party nomination paper.

(3) Paragraph (4) applies where—

(a) a nomination paper is sent electronically or submitted online in accordance with arrangements set out in the notice of election (see rule 3), or

(b) a notice of withdrawal of candidature under rule 16 is sent electronically.

(4) For the purpose of determining whether the paper or notice has been delivered in accordance with the timetable in paragraph (1), the paper or notice is to be treated as having been delivered at the time when its delivery is recorded on the computer system in use by the returning officer for receiving the paper or notice.

Computation of time

2

(1) An excluded day is to be disregarded in calculating any period set out in the second column of the timetable in rule 1.

(2) No proceedings under these rules up to the close of the poll may take place on an excluded day.

(3) The returning officer is not required to proceed with the counting of votes on an excluded day.

(4) For the purposes of these rules “excluded day” means a day that is—

(a) a Saturday;

(b) a Sunday;

(d) Christmas Day;

(e) Good Friday;

(f) a day that is a bank holiday in England and Wales under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971¹⁰⁹;

(g) a day appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning.

PART 2 — Stages common to contested and uncontested elections

Notice of election

3

(1) The returning officer for a Senedd constituency must publish notice of election for that constituency.

(2) The notice of election must state—

(a) the date of the poll in the event of a contest,

(b) the latest time for the delivery of individual nomination papers and party nomination papers, including party lists,

(c) the place or places where such nomination papers may be delivered and the times at which they may be delivered to that place or those places, and

(d) the place or places where, and the times at which, forms of individual nomination papers and party nomination papers, including party lists, may be obtained, and information about how and when such forms of nomination paper may be obtained online.

(3) The notice of election must also—

(a) include an electronic delivery statement,

(b) state the arrangements which apply for the payment of the deposit required by rule 11 to be made by means of electronic transfer of funds, and

(c) state the date by which applications to vote by post or by proxy, and other applications and notices about postal or proxy voting, must reach the registration officer in order to be effective for the election.

(4) An electronic delivery statement is a statement that nomination papers may be delivered—

(a) by being sent electronically to an e-mail address in accordance with arrangements set out in the statement,

(b) by submission online in accordance with arrangements set out in the statement, or

(c) either by being sent electronically as mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) or by submission online as mentioned in sub-paragraph (b).

Nomination

Duty of returning officer to supply forms of nomination etc.

4

(1) At the place or places and times for obtaining forms of nomination paper set out in the notice of election, the returning officer must supply any person with as many forms of nomination paper as the person may require.

(2) The returning officer must also make arrangements to ensure that forms of nomination paper may be obtained online in accordance with the information given in the notice of election.

(3) It is not, however, necessary for a nomination to be made on a form supplied by the returning officer or obtained online.

Nomination of individual candidates

5

(1) An individual candidate in a Senedd constituency must be nominated by way of an individual nomination paper in form 7 set out in Welsh and English in Schedule 10, or a form to the like effect.

(2) The nomination paper may be delivered—

(a) to one of the places specified by the returning officer in the notice of election for that purpose, or

(b) in accordance with the arrangements set out in the electronic delivery statement.

(3) The nomination paper may be delivered—

(a) by the candidate, or

(b) by the candidate’s election agent if the agent’s name and address have been previously given to the returning officer as required by article 39 or are so given at the time the nomination paper is delivered.

(4) The nomination paper must—

(a) state the candidate’s full names, with the surnames placed first, and

(b) if desired, state a description consisting of the word “Independent” or the word “Annibynnol” or both.

(5) If a candidate commonly uses forenames or surnames that are different in any respect from the forenames or surnames stated in accordance with paragraph (4)(a), including where the difference is that the commonly used forenames or surnames are in a different order, include only some of the names or include additional names, the nomination paper may also state the commonly used forenames or surnames.

(6) Each nomination paper delivered under this rule must be subscribed by one person, and if the subscriber is not the candidate, the subscriber’s full name and address must be set out in the paper.

(7) The nomination paper must be accompanied by a form which complies with rule 8 (home address form).

Nomination of registered political parties and party list candidates

6

(1) A registered political party may stand for election in a Senedd constituency election if—

(a) it is a qualifying party (see rule 76) in relation to that constituency, and

(b) it is nominated by way of a party nomination paper in form 8 set out in Welsh and English in Schedule 10, or a form to the like effect.

(2) The party nomination paper may be delivered—

(a) to one of the places specified by the returning officer in the notice of election for that purpose, or

(b) in accordance with the arrangements set out in the electronic delivery statement.

(3) A party nomination paper must include either—

(a) the name or names of the party registered under section 28 of the 2000 Political Parties Act¹¹⁰, or

(b) a description of the party registered under section 28A of that Act¹¹¹.

(4) Where the registered party name is provided and the name does not include “Wales”, “Welsh”, “Cymru” or “Cymreig”, then the registered party’s name may be supplemented with “Wales”, “Welsh”, “Cymru” or “Cymreig” as set out in rule 7(2) and (3).

(5) A party nomination paper must include the list (“party list”) of candidates (“party list candidates”) submitted by the party for that constituency election, and the party nomination paper will be the nomination paper for each candidate on that list.

(6) In respect of each party list candidate, the party list must state the candidate’s full names, with the surnames placed first.

(7) If a party list candidate commonly uses forenames or surnames that are different in any respect from the forenames or surnames stated in accordance with paragraph (6), including where the difference is that the commonly used forenames or surnames are in a different order, include only some of the names or include additional names, the nomination paper may also state the commonly used forenames or surnames.

(8) A party nomination paper must be subscribed by the registered nominating officer of the registered political party submitting it or by a person authorised in writing by that officer.

(9) The party nomination paper must be accompanied by a form which complies with rule 8 (home address form), in respect of each party list candidate.

Party nomination paper: name or description of registered political party

7

(1) The name or names, or description, required by rule 6(3), to be contained in a party nomination paper must be authorised by a certificate in form 9 set out in Welsh and English in Schedule 10 issued by the registered nominating officer of the registered political party.

(2) Paragraph (3) applies where none of the words “Wales”, “Welsh”, “Cymru” and “Cymreig” are used in the name of the party registered under section 28 of the 2000 Political Parties Act.

(3) The registered political party may do one of the following—

(a) add the word “Wales” before the name;

(b) add the word “Welsh” before the name;

(d) add the word “Cymreig” after the name.

(4) If it is proposed that the party’s registered emblem is to be shown on the ballot paper against the party’s name or description, the certificate issued under paragraph (1) must request that it be so shown, but so that, in a case in which a party has more than one registered emblem, only one of its emblems may be requested to be shown on the ballot paper.

(5) A certificate issued under paragraph (1) must be combined with the party nomination paper delivered under rule 6(1).

(6) A person is guilty of a corrupt practice if that person fraudulently purports to be authorised by virtue of rule 77 to issue a certificate under paragraph (1) on behalf of a party’s registered nominating officer.

Home address form

8

(1) This rule sets out the requirements for home address forms that must accompany individual and party nomination papers under rules 5(7) and 6(9).

(2) A home address form in form 10 set out in Welsh and English in Schedule 10, or a form to the like effect, must state the individual or party list candidate’s—

(a) full names, and

(b) home address in full.

(3) If an individual nomination paper or party list includes commonly used forenames or surnames for a candidate, the home address form must also state the commonly used names.

(4) The home address form may contain a statement made and signed by an individual or party list candidate that the candidate’s home address must not be made public.

(5) If the home address form contains such a statement, it must—

(a) where the candidate’s home address is in the United Kingdom, state the name of the relevant area;

(b) where the candidate’s home address is outside of the United Kingdom, state the country in which it is situated.

(6) In this rule, “relevant area” means—

(a) where the candidate’s home address is in Wales, the Senedd constituency within which the address is situated;

(b) where the candidate’s home address is elsewhere in the United Kingdom, the UK Parliamentary constituency within which the address is situated.

(7) Where a home address form has been completed and returned with a nomination paper and an individual or party list candidate has requested that their home address not be made public, only the information as provided in accordance with paragraph (5) will appear on the statement of parties and persons nominated.

9

(1) A person is not validly nominated as an individual or party list candidate unless that person’s consent to the nomination—

(a) is given and dated in writing in form 11 set out in Welsh and English in Schedule 10, or a form to the like effect, on, or within 1 month before, the day fixed as the last day for the delivery of nomination papers,

(b) is attested by one witness, and

(2) A consent to nomination may be delivered—

(a) to one of the places specified by the returning officer in the notice of election for the delivery of nomination papers, or

(b) in accordance with the arrangements set out in the electronic delivery statement (rule 3).

(3) A candidate’s consent given under this rule must—

(a) state the day, month and year of the candidate’s birth;

(b) state an address within the relevant area that will be deemed to be the candidate’s office as an election agent for the purposes of article 42(7);

(c) state the name of a local authority area in Wales in which the candidate is registered as a local government elector;

(d) state to the best of the candidate’s knowledge and belief that the candidate is not disqualified from being elected under section 16(A1) of the 2006 Act¹¹² (disqualification from being a member of the Senedd);

(e) include a statement of party membership that complies with rule 10;

(f) in the case of an individual candidate, state that the candidate is not—

(i) a party list candidate in the election for the Senedd constituency to which the consent relates,

(ii) an individual candidate in any other Senedd constituency, the poll for which is to be held on the same day as that for the election to which the consent relates, or

(iii) a party list candidate in any other Senedd constituency, the poll for which is to be held on the same day as that for the election to which the consent relates;

(g) in the case of a party list candidate, state that the candidate is not—

(i) an individual candidate in the election for the Senedd constituency to which the consent relates,

(ii) an individual candidate in any other Senedd constituency, the poll for which is to be held on the same day as that for the election to which the consent relates, or

(iii) a party list candidate in any other Senedd constituency, the poll for which is to be held on the same day as that for the election to which the consent relates.

(4) An individual candidate is required to give consent under this rule notwithstanding that that candidate has subscribed the nomination paper by virtue of which the candidate is nominated.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (3)(b), “the relevant area” is to be construed in accordance with article 41(5) and (6).

10

(1) This rule sets out the requirements for statements of party membership that must be included in consents to nomination as mentioned in rule 9(3)(e).

(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (5), the statement must state whether the candidate has been a member of any registered political party at any time during the relevant period.

(3) Paragraph (2) does not apply where, during the relevant period, a party list candidate has been a member only of the registered political party on whose list they have been included as a party candidate on a party nomination paper submitted under rule 6.

(4) Subject to paragraph (5), if the candidate has been a member of one or more registered political parties at any time during the relevant period, the statement must also include the following information in relation to each of those parties—

(a) the party’s registered name or, where the party has more than one registered name, the party’s registered names, and

(b) the dates during the relevant period between which the candidate has been a member of the party.

(5) A party list candidate is not required to include details of the registered political party on whose list they have been included as a party candidate on a party nomination paper submitted under rule 6.

(6) A candidate who knowingly fails to include in the consent to nomination a statement of party membership that complies with the requirements of this rule is guilty of a corrupt practice.

(7) In this rule—

(a) “registered political party” means a party that is registered under Part 2 of the 2000 Political Parties Act at any time during the relevant period when the candidate is a member;

(b) references to a registered name of a registered political party are to a name of the party registered under section 28 of that Act;

(c) “the relevant period” means the period of 12 months ending with the day on which the notice of election is published.

Deposit

11

(1) A person is not validly nominated as an individual candidate for return in a constituency at a Senedd election unless the sum of £500 is deposited by that candidate, or on that candidate’s behalf, with the returning officer at one of the places and during the time for delivery of nomination papers.

(2) A registered political party, and each of the party list candidates on the list it has submitted, is not validly nominated for return in a constituency at a Senedd election unless the conditions in paragraph (3) are met.

(3) The conditions referred to in paragraph (2) are—

(a) the sum of £500 must be deposited for the first party list candidate appearing on the registered political party’s list;

(b) the sum of £200 must be deposited for each of the next five candidates appearing on the registered political party’s list;

(c) the deposit must be paid by or on behalf of the party’s registered nominating officer to the returning officer at one of the places and during the time for delivery of nomination papers.

(4) Subject to paragraph (5), the deposit may be made either—

(a) by the deposit of any legal tender,

(b) by means of a banker’s draft, or

(c) with the returning officer’s consent, in any other manner, including by means of a debit or credit card or the electronic transfer of funds.

(5) The returning officer may refuse to accept a deposit sought to be made by means of a banker’s draft if the returning officer does not know that the drawer carries on business as a banker in the United Kingdom.

(6) The requirement in paragraph (7) must be complied with where the deposit is made—

(a) on behalf of an individual candidate in accordance with paragraph (1), or

(b) on behalf of a party’s registered nominating officer in accordance with paragraph (3)(c).

(7) The person making the deposit (“P”) must, at the time P makes it, give P’s name and address to the returning officer unless that information has previously been given to the returning officer under article 39.

Places for delivery of nomination papers

12

(1) The place or places for delivery of nomination papers must be in—

(a) the Senedd constituency, or

(b) the registration area which includes the whole or any part of the Senedd constituency.

(2) The returning officer must fix the place or places at which nomination papers are to be delivered in accordance with paragraph (1), and must attend there during the time for their delivery and for the making of objections to them.

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), “registration area” means the area of two or more Senedd constituencies which have the same registration officer.

Right to attend nomination

13

(1) Subject to paragraph (6), only the persons listed in paragraph (2) are entitled to attend the proceedings during the time for delivery of nomination papers or for making objections to them.

(2) The persons entitled to attend proceedings are—

(a) a person standing nominated as an individual candidate,

(b) the election agent of such a person,

(d) the registered nominating officer of a registered political party that has submitted a party list, or the election agent of that party in respect of that list,

(e) a person who is entitled to attend by virtue of section 6A or 6B of the 2000 Political Parties Act¹¹³,

(f) a person who is delivering a nomination paper, or

(g) a person who is assisting the returning officer.

(3) Where an individual candidate acts as their own election agent, or a party list candidate acts as election agent of that party in relation to that list, the candidate may name one other person who is to be entitled to attend in place of the election agent for that individual candidate or party.

(4) The right to attend conferred by this rule includes the right—

(a) to inspect, and

(b) to object to the validity of,

any individual nomination paper or any party nomination paper submitted in relation to the constituency, including the nomination of any party list candidate on the party list submitted with that party nomination paper.

(5) Paragraph (4) does not apply to a person mentioned in paragraph (2)(e) to (g).

(6) One other person chosen by the candidate is entitled to be present at the delivery of the nomination paper by which that candidate is nominated, and may afterwards, so long as the candidate stands nominated, attend the proceedings referred to in paragraph (1), but without any such right as is conferred by paragraph (4).

(7) Where nomination papers have been delivered in accordance with the electronic delivery statement, the returning officer must take reasonable steps to ensure that the persons mentioned in paragraph (2)(a) to (d) can access those papers for the purposes of inspecting them.

Decisions as to the validity of individual nomination papers

14

(1) This rule applies where the following are delivered in accordance with these rules—

(a) an individual nomination paper and accompanying home address form,

(b) the candidate’s consent to nomination, and

(2) The candidate stands nominated unless and until one of the following events occurs—

(a) the returning officer decides that the nomination paper is invalid;

(b) the returning officer is satisfied that the candidate has died;

(3) The returning officer is entitled to hold an individual nomination paper invalid only on one of the following grounds—

(a) that the particulars of the candidate are not as required by law,

(b) that the paper is not subscribed as required by rule 5(6),

(c) that the candidate is disqualified under section 16(A1) of the 2006 Act from being a member of the Senedd and from being a candidate to be a member of the Senedd, or

(d) that the candidate’s candidature is in breach of section 7(5) of the 2006 Act¹¹⁴.

(4) The returning officer must, as soon as reasonably practicable after each individual nomination paper, home address form and consent to nomination form has been delivered, examine them and decide whether the candidate has been validly nominated.

(5) The returning officer must decide on any objection to an individual nomination paper—

(a) as soon as reasonably practicable after it is made, and

(b) in any event, before the end of the period of 24 hours beginning with the close of the period for the delivery of nomination papers.

(6) Where the returning officer decides that an individual nomination paper is invalid, the returning officer must endorse on the paper the fact of the decision and the reasons for it, and sign the endorsement.

(7) The returning officer must, as soon as reasonably practicable, give a notice to each candidate stating the returning officer’s decision as to whether the candidate’s nomination paper is valid or invalid.

(8) The returning officer’s decision that an individual nomination paper is valid is final and may not be questioned in any proceedings.

(9) Except as provided by paragraph (8), nothing in this rule prevents the validity of a nomination being questioned on a Senedd election petition.

Decisions as to the validity of party nomination papers

15

(1) This rule applies where the following are delivered in accordance with these rules—

(a) a party nomination paper, together with its party list,

(b) the home address form of each candidate in that list,

(d) the deposit that complies with the requirements of rule 11(2) and (3).

(2) The party and each candidate on its list stands nominated unless and until the returning officer decides that the party nomination paper is invalid.

(3) The returning officer is entitled to hold a party nomination paper invalid only on one of the following grounds—

(a) that it breaches rule 6(3) or (5),

(b) that it breaches rule 7(1) or (5),

(d) that the party list includes more than 8 persons, or

(e) that each candidate included in the party list has, in accordance with paragraphs (4) and (5), ceased to stand nominated.

(4) A candidate on a party list will cease to stand nominated where—

(a) the returning officer is satisfied that the candidate has died, or

(b) the candidate withdraws their candidature in accordance with rule 16(3).

(5) The returning officer is entitled to hold that a party list candidate has ceased to stand nominated where—

(a) the particulars of a candidate are not as required by law,

(b) a candidate is disqualified under section 16(A1) of the 2006 Act from being a member of the Senedd and from being a candidate to be a member of the Senedd, or

(6) Where a candidate on a party list ceases to stand nominated by virtue of paragraph (5), it will not of itself prevent any other candidate included on that party list from continuing to stand nominated.

(7) The returning officer must, as soon as reasonably practicable after each—

(a) party nomination paper, and accompanying party list,

(b) home address form for each party list candidate, and

has been delivered, examine them and decide whether the party has been validly nominated.

(8) Subject to paragraph (9), the returning officer must decide on any objection to a party nomination paper or to a party list candidate—

(a) as soon as reasonably practicable after it is made, and

(b) in any event, before the end of the period of 24 hours beginning with the close of the period for the delivery of nomination papers.

(9) If in the opinion of the returning officer a party nomination paper breaches rule 6(3) or (5) or 7(1) or (5), the returning officer must give a decision to that effect—

(a) as soon as reasonably practicable after the delivery of the nomination paper, and

(b) in any event, before the end of the period of 24 hours beginning with the close of the period for delivery of nomination papers.

(10) Where the returning officer decides that—

(a) a party nomination paper is invalid, or

(b) the name and address of a candidate are to be deleted from a party list,

the returning officer must endorse on the paper the fact of the decision and the reasons for it, and sign the endorsement.

(11) The returning officer must, as soon as reasonably practicable, give a notice to the registered nominating officer of a registered political party which submitted a party nomination paper and party list stating—

(a) the returning officer’s decision as to whether the party’s nomination paper is valid or invalid, and

(b) whether the name and address of any candidates are to be deleted from a party list.

(12) The returning officer’s decision that—

(a) a party nomination paper is valid, or

(b) the name and address of a candidate are to be deleted from a party list,

is final and may not be questioned in any proceedings.

(13) Subject to paragraphs (11) and (12), nothing in this rule prevents the validity of a nomination being questioned on a Senedd election petition.

Withdrawal of candidates

16

(1) An individual or party list candidate may withdraw from candidature by giving a notice of withdrawal to the returning officer.

(2) The notice of withdrawal must be—

(a) signed by the candidate in the presence of a witness who must attest the candidate’s signature, and

(b) delivered to the returning officer.

(3) A registered political party may withdraw the candidature of any or all of the candidates included in a party list of that party by notice of withdrawal—

(a) signed by the party’s registered nominating officer, and

(b) delivered to the returning officer.

(4) A notice of withdrawal may be delivered either—

(a) to one of the places specified by the returning officer in the notice of election for the delivery of nomination papers, or

(b) in accordance with the arrangements set out in the electronic delivery statement (rule 3).

Publication of statement of parties and other persons nominated

17

(1) The returning officer must prepare and publish a statement of parties and persons nominated showing—

(a) the persons who have been and stand nominated as individual candidates,

(b) the registered political parties which have been and stand nominated, together with, in respect of each such party, the list of candidates it has submitted and who have been and stand nominated as the candidates of that party, and

(c) any other persons or parties who have been nominated but no longer stand nominated, with the reason why they no longer stand nominated.

(2) The statement must show—

(a) in respect of individual candidates—

(i) the names of the persons nominated, as given in their nomination papers,

(ii) their addresses, or such relevant information as provided in their home address information (see paragraph (3)), and

(iii) the information contained in their statements of party membership, as given in their consents to nomination;

(b) in respect of the registered political parties who have submitted a party list, the names of those parties together with, in respect of each such party—

(i) the name, names or descriptions referred to in rule 6(3),

(ii) the names of the persons nominated as they appear in that party’s list,

(iii) the addresses of those persons, or such relevant information as provided in the home address information of those persons (see paragraph (3)), and

(iv) the information contained in the statements of party membership of those persons, as given in their consents to nomination.

(3) In these rules, references to the home address information of a person nominated are to the following information as given in the home address form accompanying the nomination paper—

(a) where the home address form contains a statement that the home address must not be made public, the information given in accordance with rule 8(5);

(b) where the home address form does not contain such a statement, the address of the person nominated.

(4) Rule 18 (use of commonly used names) and rule 19 (names that are the same or similar) make further provision about the content of the statement of parties and persons nominated.

(5) The statement must show—

(a) the individual candidates standing nominated arranged together alphabetically;

(b) the registered political parties which have submitted a party list arranged together alphabetically and, in respect of each such party, the candidates standing nominated arranged, immediately after the entry for the relevant party, in the order that they appear on the party list.

(6) The arrangement of registered political parties referred to in paragraph (5)(b) is to be shown in the statement before the arrangement of individual candidates referred to in paragraph (5)(a) is so shown.

(7) For the purposes of paragraph (5)(a), alphabetical order is to be determined by reference to the surnames of the individual candidates, and if there are two or more of them with the same surname, the statement must show those persons arranged alphabetically in the order of their other names.

(8) For the purposes of paragraph (5)(b)—

(a) a registered political party is to be shown in the statement by reference to the name or names, or description referred to in rule 6(3) in respect of the party, and

(b) alphabetical order is to be determined by disregarding the definite or indefinite article, and where there are two or more words in the name or names, or description, having disregarded the definite or indefinite article, by reference to the first of those words and, if there are two or more parties with the same first word, of the other words.

(9) In the case of a person nominated by more than one individual nomination paper, the returning officer must take the particulars required by the previous provisions of this rule from such one of the papers as the candidate, or the returning officer in default of the candidate, may select.

(10) In the case of a registered political party which has delivered more than one party nomination paper, and where the party list candidates of that party stand nominated by more than one party list submitted with those papers, the returning officer must take the particulars required by the previous provisions of this rule from such one of the party nomination papers and the party list with that paper as the registered nominating officer of the party, or the returning officer in default of the registered nominating officer, may select.

(11) Where a candidate is shown standing nominated by a list which is not selected in accordance with paragraph (10), that candidate will no longer stand nominated.

(12) The returning officer must send to the Electoral Commission a copy of the statement of parties and persons nominated.

Use of commonly used names in statement of parties and persons nominated

18

(1) This rule applies where—

(a) a person’s individual nomination paper gives commonly used forenames or surnames in accordance with rule 5(5), and

(b) a party list gives a commonly used forename or surname for a candidate on that list in accordance with rule 6(7).

(2) The statement of parties and persons nominated must show the person’s commonly used forenames or surnames, instead of the forenames or surnames stated in the nomination paper in accordance with rules 5(4)(a) and 6(6), unless the returning officer decides—

(a) that the use of the person’s commonly used forenames or surnames may be likely to mislead or confuse electors, or

(b) that the commonly used forenames or surnames are obscene or offensive.

(3) Where paragraph (2)(a) or (b) applies—

(a) the statement of parties and persons nominated must show the person’s other forenames or surnames as stated in the nomination paper in accordance with rules 5(4)(a) and 6(6), instead of the commonly used forenames or surnames, and

(b) the returning officer must give a notice to the candidate stating the reasons for refusing to allow the use of the commonly used forenames or surnames.

Names that are the same or similar

19

(1) This rule applies where, in preparing a statement of parties and persons nominated, the returning officer decides that—

(a) two or more of the names that would be shown on the statement are the same or so similar as to be likely to cause confusion,

(b) each of the persons concerned has made a statement that they require their home address not to be made public (see rule 8(4)), and

(2) The returning officer may arrange for any of their particulars to be shown on the statement of parties and persons nominated with such amendments or additions as the returning officer thinks appropriate to reduce the likelihood of confusion.

(3) In deciding whether to make amendments or additions under this rule, the returning officer must have regard to any guidance given by the Electoral Commission for the purposes of this rule.

(4) Where it is practicable to do so before the publication of the statement, the returning officer must consult any persons whose particulars are to be amended or added to under this rule.

(5) The returning officer must give a notice to any person whose particulars are amended or added to under this rule, setting out the amendments or additions.

(6) Anything done by a returning officer under this rule may not be questioned in any proceedings other than proceedings on a Senedd election petition.

20

(1) A returning officer may, at any time before the publication of the statement of parties and persons nominated, correct minor errors in a nomination paper, home address form or consent to nomination form.

(2) Errors which may be corrected include—

(a) obvious errors of spelling;

(b) errors as to the information given in accordance with rule 8(5) (information that must be included where the candidate has stated that the home address must not be made public).

(3) Anything done by a returning officer under this rule may not be questioned in any proceedings other than proceedings on a Senedd election petition.

(4) In deciding whether to correct minor errors under this rule, a returning officer must have regard to any guidance given by the Electoral Commission for the purposes of this rule.

21

(1) During the time for inspection, any person may inspect nomination papers and consent to nomination forms that have been delivered.

(2) In paragraph (1), “the time for inspection” means ordinary office hours on any day after the last day for the delivery of nomination papers and before the day of the poll, other than an excluded day.

(3) A person inspecting nomination papers or consent to nomination forms may take a copy of, or make extracts from, the papers.

(4) Where nomination papers have been delivered in accordance with the electronic delivery statement, the returning officer must take reasonable steps to ensure that they can be accessed for the purposes of inspecting them.

Inspection of home address forms

22

(1) During the time for inspection, the home address form of an individual or party list candidate standing nominated (“candidate A”) may be inspected by any of the following who wish to inspect it—

(a) another individual or party list candidate (“candidate B”) standing nominated in the same constituency as candidate A,

(b) the election agent or subscriber of candidate B, or

(c) where candidate B is an individual candidate and acting as their own election agent, another person selected by candidate B.

(2) Where a person has been nominated by more than one nomination paper, the reference to the subscriber in paragraph (1)(b) is to—

(a) the subscriber on the nomination paper that the candidate may select, or

(b) in the absence of such a selection, the nomination paper which was first delivered in accordance with rule 5(2) or 6(2).

(3) In paragraph (1), “the time for inspection” means ordinary office hours on any day after the last day for the delivery of nomination papers and before the day of the poll, other than an excluded day.

(4) Where a home address form has been delivered in accordance with the electronic delivery statement, the returning officer must take reasonable steps to ensure that the persons mentioned in paragraph (1) can access that form for the purposes of inspecting it.

(5) A candidate or other person carrying out an inspection under this rule must not take a copy of, or make extracts from, a home address form.

(6) The returning officer must not permit a home address form to be inspected otherwise than in accordance with this rule or for some other purpose authorised by law.

(7) The returning officer must destroy each candidate’s home address form—

(a) on the next day following the thirty-fifth day after the returning officer has returned the name of the member elected, or

(b) if a Senedd election petition questioning the election or return is presented before that day, as soon as practicable following the conclusion of proceedings on the petition or on appeal from such proceedings.

(8) For the purposes of paragraph (7)(a), any day that is an excluded day must be disregarded.

Adjournment of nomination proceedings in the case of riot

23

(1) This rule applies if proceedings for, or in connection with, nomination are interrupted or obstructed on any day by riot or open violence.

(2) The proceedings must be abandoned for that day.

(3) If the day on which the proceedings are abandoned is the last day for the delivery of nomination papers, the proceedings must be resumed on the next day.

(4) Where paragraph (3) requires proceedings to be resumed on the next day, the deadlines specified in the second column of the timetable in rule 1 for the delivery of nomination papers, the delivery of notices of withdrawals of candidature and the publication of the statement as to persons nominated are each extended by one day.

(5) Where proceedings are abandoned under this rule—

(a) nothing may be done after the proceedings are resumed if the time for doing it had passed when the proceedings were abandoned, and

(b) nothing done before the proceedings were abandoned is invalidated by reason of the abandonment.

Method of election

24

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), if the statement of parties and persons standing nominated at a constituency election shows more candidates, whether as individual candidates or party list candidates, than the number of seats for that constituency, a poll must be taken in accordance with Part 3 of these rules.

(2) Where each candidate is included on the same party list, those candidates will be declared to be elected in accordance with Part 4 of these rules in the order that they are included on that list, starting with the highest, up to the number of seats for the constituency.

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