Paragraph 27

The certificate of the Returning Officer published under paragraph 22 of this Scheme shall be conclusive evidence of the facts stated therein unless in respect of the election of any person a written notice of protest signed by not less than twenty-five registered opticians is received by the Returning Officer not later than the twenty-eighth day after the publication of the certificate. Such protest may be made on one or more of the following grounds—

(a)

that the election of that person was not in accordance with the requirements of this Scheme;

(b)

that the election of that person was furthered by the conduct which in the case of an election regulated by the Representation of the People Act 1983 (amended by s.17 and Schedule 3, paragraphs 1 and 30 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999) would be a corrupt practice by way of bribery, treating or undue influence under sections 113, 114 and 115 of that Act (which are reproduced as Appendix J to the Scheme);

(c)

that the person elected contravened the requirements of paragraph 24, or did not comply with the requirements of paragraph 25, of this Scheme.