The Representation of the People (Timing of the Canvass) (Northern Ireland) Order 2010

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

By virtue of section 10ZA of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (“the 1983 Act”), the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland is required to conduct a canvass in Northern Ireland in the year 2010. However, if, on or before 15 April 2010, the Chief Electoral Officer makes a recommendation to the Secretary of State against a canvass being conducted in 2010 for the purpose of meeting the relevant registration objectives (which are set out in section 10ZB of the 1983 Act), the Secretary of State can, by Order, make provision that that requirement shall not apply. Before doing so the Secretary of State must be satisfied, having considered the recommendation, that the public interest does not require a canvass to be conducted for that purpose.

In October 2009 the Secretary of State received such a recommendation from the Chief Electoral Officer and, having considered it, was satisfied that the public interest did not require a canvass to be conducted for the purpose of meeting the relevant registration objectives. This Order therefore provides that the Chief Electoral Officer need not conduct a canvass in 2010.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the private or voluntary sector is foreseen.