Search Legislation

Advanced Search

Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025

Section 32– Power of convener of Electoral Management Board to postpone ordinary local election

98.Section 43 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (the “1983 Act”) sets out that Scottish local government elections are to occur on the first Thursday in May in every year in which ordinary elections are to be held (see section 5 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994) unless specified by order under subsections (1)(b), (1AB) or (1B) of that section.

99.This section amends the 1983 Act to give the convener of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland a power to postpone the ordinary election by up to 4 weeks. Before fixing a new date the convener must consult the Electoral Commission, the Scottish Ministers and the Secretary of State. As soon as reasonably practicable after fixing another date the convener must publish a statement setting out setting out the day fixed for the holding of the poll and the reasons for the exercise of the power.

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

Close

Explanatory Notes

Text created by the Scottish Government to explain what the Act sets out to achieve and to make the Act accessible to readers who are not legally qualified. Explanatory Notes were introduced in 1999 and accompany all Acts of the Scottish Parliament except those which result from Budget Bills.

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources

The data on this page is available in the alternative data formats listed: