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.
