Scottish Independence Referendum Act 2013

20 Accredited observers: organisations S

(1) An organisation may apply to the Electoral Commission to be accredited for the purpose of nominating observers at any of the following proceedings relating to the referendum—

(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 organisation may nominate members who may attend the proceedings in question.

(3) The Commission, in granting the application, may specify a limit on the number of observers nominated by the organisation who may attend, at the same time, specified proceedings by virtue of this section.

(4) An application under subsection (1) must be made in the manner specified by the Commission.

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

(6) 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, when doing so, give reasons for the refusal or revocation.

(7) The right conferred by this section is subject to any provision of this Act which regulates attendance at the proceedings in question.