Section 21 Use of candidates’ common names
119.This section amends Schedule 1 (parliamentary election rules) to the 1983 Act by making a new provision to enable candidates to use the name which they commonly use (their “common name”) on the ballot paper. Examples of such names include
a single name (for example, “Sting”);
a shortened version of a forename (for example, “Bob” instead of Robert);
a professional or stage name (for example, “Michael Caine” instead of Maurice Joseph Micklewhite);
a name where initials are used (for example, A.A. Milne, John H. Stracey or Malcolm X); or
a married woman’s maiden name which she retains in connection with her job or profession.
120.Subsection (2) inserts new paragraph (2A) into rule 6 (Nomination of candidates), which provides that if a candidate commonly uses a surname or a forename which is different from any other surname or forename he has, the nomination paper may state the commonly used surname or forename in addition to any other name.
121.Subsection (3) inserts new paragraphs (2A) to (2C) into rule 14 (Publication of statement of persons nominated). Paragraph (2A) provides that where a nomination paper bears a commonly used name the statement of persons nominated shall show the person’s commonly used name instead of the other name.
122.Paragraph (2B) provides that paragraph (2A) does not apply if the returning officer thinks that the commonly used name may be likely to mislead or confuse voters or is obscene or offensive. Paragraph (2C) requires the returning officer to give notice in writing of his reasons for refusing the use of a commonly used name.
123.Subsection (4) amends the Form of Nomination Paper in the Appendix of Forms in Schedule 1 by adding additional columns in which a candidate can include his commonly used surnames and forenames, if applicable.
124.Subsection (5) amends the notes accompanying the Form of Nomination Paper. The candidate is advised that he may include his commonly used name on the nomination paper, but that if he does so it is that name which will appear on the ballot paper. The notes also advise of the circumstances in which a returning officer might refuse the use of a common name.
