20.09.13
Electoral Commission seeks to standardise elections
The Electoral Commission is trying to stamp out inconsistencies and loopholes in the process of standing for election.
It has launched a consultation to get views on the varying size of deposits that need to be put down on different types of election, access to election broadcasts, and the rules on disqualifications.
The Commission has flagged up widely differing for the elections for MPs, councillors, PCCs, MSPs, MEP and those standing for the Welsh Assembly.
Jenny Watson, chair of the Electoral Commission, said: “It’s now a decade since we reviewed this area of the law, and despite our last review leading to changes that improved the system, there are still inconsistencies which can cause confusion for candidates and agents alike. We want to consider how the rules can be changed to improve participation from candidates while maintaining public trust and confidence in the conduct of elections.
“We’d like to get as broad a range of views as possible and welcome input from all involved in the electoral process: from those who stand, or have been deterred from standing for election, to the agents and parties that support them, the electors that vote for them and those that manage elections.”
The consultation will run until Wednesday 18 December. Visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/162659/Standing-for-election-consultation-paper.pdf.
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