Watchdog launches consultation on system for standing for election
The Electoral Commission has launched a consultation on the process of standing for election, after identifying a number of inconsistencies in the current system.
Announcing the first review in more than a decade, the watchdog said the inconsistencies included council employees being unable to stand in their authority’s elections in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, compared to Scotland where they can stand and must only resign if they are elected.
The Electoral Commission also highlighted candidates being required to pay a £5,000 deposit to run for election as a Police and Crime Commissioner, but only £500 to stand as an MP.
It pointed out too that the signatures of 10 registered electors are required on the nomination form of a UK Parliamentary candidate, but none are needed for the nomination form of a Scottish or European Parliamentary candidate.
The consultation contains a range of questions on areas such as:
- Being a candidate: qualifications; disqualifications; subscribers; deposits; candidate descriptions; and independent candidates.
- Candidate benefits: candidate mailings; party election broadcasts; access to the electoral register; emblems; and free use of rooms.
- Procedural issues: alphabetical listing; positive abstention; photographs on ballot papers; submitting nomination papers; and objections to nominations.
Jenny Watson, chair of the Electoral Commission, said: "It’s now a decade since we reviewed this area of the law, and despite our last review leading to changes that improved the system, there are still inconsistencies which can cause confusion for candidates and agents alike.
“We want to consider how the rules can be changed to improve participation from candidates while maintaining public trust and confidence in the conduct of elections.”
The consultation can be viewed here. The deadline for submissions is 18 December.
Once the Commission has considered the responses, it will report to the relevant governments in the UK setting out any recommendations for change.