Part I The Electoral Commission

Commission’s general functions

C1C2C8C4C5C7C6C36CF1Accredited observers: individuals

1

A person who is aged 16 or over may apply to the Commission to be an accredited observer at any of the following proceedings relating to an election specified in subsection (5) of section 6A or a referendum to which Part 7 applies—

a

proceedings at the issue or receipt of postal ballot papers;

b

proceedings at the poll;

c

proceedings at the counting of votes.

2

If the Commission grant the application, the accredited observer may attend the proceedings in question.

3

An application under subsection (1) must be made in the manner specified in the code of practice issued under section 6F F4or 6GF2or, in relation to F3a Scottish Parliamentary general election, an election under section 9 of the Scotland Act 1998 (constituency vacancies) or a local government election in Scotland, section 6G.

4

The Commission may at any time revoke the grant of an application under subsection (1).

5

If the Commission—

a

refuse an application under subsection (1), or

b

revoke the grant of any such application,

they must give their decision in writing and must at the same time give reasons in writing for the refusal or revocation.

6

The right conferred on an accredited observer by this section is subject to any enactment which regulates attendance at the proceedings in question.