The Bahamas Independence Order 1973

Determination of questions as to membership

51.—(1) An Election Court, consisting of two Justices of the Supreme Court appointed by the Chief Justice or, if for any reason two such Justices are not available, one such Justice and the Chief Magistrate or a Stipendiary and Circuit Magistrate appointed by the Chief Justice, shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any question whether—

(a) any person has been validly elected as a member of the House of Assembly; or

(b) any member of the House of Assembly has vacated his seat or is required, under the provisions of Article 49(2) of this Constitution, to cease to perform his functions as a member.

(2) Subject to the following provisions of this Article and to the provisions of Article 49(1) of this Constitution, Parliament may make, or provide for the making of provision, with respect to—

(a) the institution of proceedings for the determination of any question referred to in paragraph (1) of this Article; and

(b) the powers, practice and procedure of an Election Court in relation to any such proceedings.

(3) The determination by an Election Court of any question referred to in paragraph (1) of this Article shall be final.

(4) Proceedings for the determination of any question referred to in paragraph (1) of this Article shall not be instituted except with the leave of a Justice of the Supreme Court.

(5) An appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeal on a point of law from the decision of a Justice of the Supreme Court granting or refusing leave to institute proceedings in accordance with this Article; but, subject as aforesaid, that decision shall be final.