Explanatory note

The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (“the Act”) establishes the Electoral Commission and makes provision in particular about the registration and finances of political parties and also makes provision about donations and expenditure for political purposes.

These Rules prescribe the procedure for applications by the Electoral Commission for forfeiture from registered parties, regulated donees, recognised third parties, permitted participants in referendums or candidates or election agents of amounts equal to the value of any prohibited donations.

These Rules also prescribe the procedure for applications for forfeiture in certain other circumstances of amounts equal to the value of donations to registered parties or controlled donations to regulated donees.

Rule 2 prescribes the procedure to be followed when an application for forfeiture is made.

Rule 3 deals with transfer.

Rule 4 deals with joinder of parties to the proceedings.

Rule 5 deals with the procedure to be followed at the hearing of an application for an order for forfeiture.

In addition the Rules prescribe the Forms to be used in connection with the various forfeiture applications.