Section 5– Date of first meeting after the 2021 election
17.This section provides that the Senedd must meet within the period of 21 days beginning immediately after the day of the 2021 election.
18.The provision is longer than currently provided for in the 2006 Act (14 days). The purpose of the extension is to provide some flexibility and cater for a potential delay in counting ballots and confirming results due to coronavirus measures such as physical distancing and other public health rules which may be still be in force at the time of the election.