The Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) Order 2002

Interpretation of Part III

79.  In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires–

a person becomes a “candidate” in relation to a Scottish parliamentary election–

(a)

on the date of–

(i)

the dissolution of the Scottish Parliament; or

(ii)

in the case of an election under section 9 of the 1998 Act (constituency vacancies), the occurrence of the vacancy,

in consequence of which the writ for the election is issued if on or before that date he is declared by himself or by others to be a candidate at the election; and

(b)

otherwise, on the day on which he is so declared by himself or by others or on which he is nominated as a candidate at the election (whichever is the earlier);

“date of allowance of an authorised excuse” has the meaning given by article 50(9) above;

“declaration as to election expenses” means a declaration made under article 45 or 46 above;

“disputed claim” has the meaning given by article 42(1) above as extended by article 43 above;

“money” and “pecuniary reward” shall (except in articles 74 and 75 above) be deemed to include–

(a)

any office, place or employment;

(b)

any valuable security or other equivalent of money; and

(c)

any valuable consideration,

and expressions referring to money shall be construed accordingly;

“payment” includes any pecuniary or other reward;

“personal expenses” as used with respect to the expenditure of any candidate in relation to any Scottish parliamentary election includes the reasonable travelling expenses of the candidate, and the reasonable expenses of his living at hotels or elsewhere for the purposes of and in relation to the election; and

“return as to election expenses” means a return (including the bills and receipts to be delivered with it) to be made under article 44 above.