Welsh Elections (Coronavirus) Act 2021 Explanatory Notes

Section 6 – Power to postpone 2021 election for up to 6 months

19.This section provides the Llywydd with the power to postpone the 2021 election and fix a new date (subsection (3)).

20.The Llywydd may only fix a new date for the election if the First Minister makes a proposal to the Llywydd that the 2021 election be postponed (subsection (1)). The First Minister may only make such a proposal if the First Minister considers the postponement to be necessary or appropriate for reasons relating to coronavirus. And before making a proposal the First Minister must consult the Chief Medical Officer for Wales.

21.A day may only be fixed by the Llywydd for the holding of the poll if—

  • the Senedd approves the day to be fixed by a vote on a resolution passed by two thirds majority of the total number of Senedd seats;

  • the Senedd has not already been dissolved.

22.Section 6 of the Act does not limit the power of the Llywydd to vary the date of the poll for an ordinary general election set out in section 4 of the 2006 Act.

23.The powers in the section can be exercised more than once, but a day fixed under this section may be not be later than 5 November 2021.

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