Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order amends the National Assembly for Wales (Representation of the People) Order 1999 (“the 1999 Order”). The amendments are needed as a consequence of changes made by the Representation of the People Act 2000, the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 and the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001.

Among the changes made to the 1999 Order are those resulting from the introduction by the Representation of the People Act 2000 of a new system of “rolling registration”. Under this system the register of local government electors continues in force indefinitely (although revised versions of it will be produced at least once a year). This contrasts with the previous system under which the Register remained in force for one year and was compiled by reference to residence on a qualifying date.

As eligibility to vote at elections for membership of the National Assembly for Wales depends on registration in the register of local government electors, amendment of the 1999 Order is necessary to reflect, and take account of, the changes made by the recent primary and subordinate legislation.

The main changes made to the 1999 Order concern—

(a)

absent voting (articles 7, 8 and 23);

(b)

voting by proxy (articles 9 and 10);

(c)

the effect of registration (article 11);

(d)

voters with disabilities (articles 13, 25 and 26);

(e)

expenses of political parties (article 16);

(f)

issue and receipt of postal ballot papers (article 24);

(g)

changes to Schedule 5 to the 1999 Order (conduct of Assembly elections and return of Assembly members) (article 26).

The changes made by this Order are intended to align the registration and voting procedures at elections for membership of the National Assembly for Wales with election for membership of the House of Commons and at local government elections.