17.—(1) Article 56 (application to court for declaration of failure to comply with political ballot rules) shall be amended as follows.
(2) Omit paragraph (2) (position where application in respect of the same matter has been made to Certification Officer).
(3) After paragraph (7) insert—
“(8) The following provisions have effect if a person applies under Article 55 in relation to a matter—
(a)that person may not apply under this Article in relation to that matter;
(b)on an application by a different person under this Article in relation to that matter, the High Court shall have due regard to any declaration, order, observations or reasons made or given by the Certification Officer regarding that matter and brought to the court’s notice.”.