(1)F1 [F2 An] elector to whom this section applies may, subject to sub-section (2), appoint a person to vote on his behalf at any election initiated during the period for which under the Seventh Schedule the appointment continues in force.
(2)F1 This section applies to—
(a)any elector registered by virtue of a service qualification;
(b)any other [F3 parliamentary] elector who satisfies the electoral officer,…F4, that in any six consecutive months he will or is likely to be at sea or out of the United Kingdom for a period or two or more periods together exceeding four weeks.
(3)An elector registered by virtue of a service qualification may not vote otherwise than in person or by proxy.
(4)F1 The provisions of the Seventh Schedule shall have effect in relation to the appointment and voting of proxies.
[F5(5)This section and Schedule 7 shall not apply at a local election.]