Candidates standing in the name of two or more registered parties jointly4
1
Schedule 5 to the 1962 Act (local elections rules) is amended as follows.
2
In rule 5(3)14 (requirements for description on candidate’s nomination paper)—
a
omit “(of not more than 6 words in length)”, and
b
after “rule 5A(1)” insert “or (1B)”.
3
In rule 5A (nomination papers: name of registered political party)—
a
after paragraph (1) insert—
1A
The description that may be authorised may be—
a
the name of the party registered in the Northern Ireland register under section 28 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 200015, or
b
a description of the party registered in the Northern Ireland register under section 28A of that Act.
1B
A nomination paper may not include a description of a candidate which is likely to lead voters to associate the candidate with two or more registered political parties unless the parties are each qualifying parties in relation to the district electoral area and the description is a registered description authorised by a certificate—
a
issued by or on behalf of the registered nominating officer of each of the parties, and
b
received by the returning officer before the last time for delivery of nomination papers.
1C
For the purpose of paragraph (1B), a description is a registered description if it is a description registered in the Northern Ireland register for use by the parties under section 28B of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.
b
in paragraph (2), after “paragraph (1)” insert “or (1B)”, and
c
in paragraph (3), after sub-paragraph (b) insert—
c
a name or description is registered under section 28, 28A or 28B of that Act if it is registered under that section at the relevant time.
4
In rule 10(3A)16 (decisions as to the validity of nomination papers) after “rule 5A(1)” insert “or (1B)”.