Paragraph 15 Decisions as to validity of individual nomination papers
Where an individual nomination paper and the candidate’s consent to it are delivered and a deposit is made in accordance with these Rules, the candidate shall be deemed to stand nominated unless and until—
the RRO decides that the individual nomination paper is invalid;
proof is given to the RRO’s satisfaction of the candidate’s death; or
the candidate withdraws.
The RRO is entitled to hold an individual nomination paper invalid only on one of the following grounds—
that the particulars of the candidate or the witness signing the paper are not as required by law;
that the paper is not witnessed as so required;
that the candidate is disqualified by virtue of the Representation of the People Act 1981.
The RRO shall give a decision on any objection to an individual nomination paper—
as soon as practicable after the objection is made, and
in any event, before the end of the period of 24 hours starting with the close of the period for delivery of nomination papers set out in the Table in rule 1.
Where a RRO decides that an individual nomination paper is invalid, the RRO shall endorse and sign on the paper that fact and the reasons for the decision.
The RRO’s decision that an individual nomination paper is valid shall be final and shall not be questioned in any proceeding whatsoever.
Subject to paragraph (5), nothing in this rule prevents the validity of a nomination being questioned on an election petition.