PART 1Main provisions

Postponement of elections, referendums, recall petitions and canvass

64Northern Ireland: timing of canvass and Assembly by-elections

1

Section 10ZA of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (Northern Ireland: timing of the canvass) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) and (3).

2

In subsection (1)—

a

after paragraph (a) insert—

aa

the year 2021;

ab

the year 2030;

b

in paragraph (b), for “2010” substitute “2030”.

3

In subsection (4)—

a

omit paragraph (b) (including the “and” at the end);

b

after paragraph (c) insert—

d

2021,

e

2030, and

f

every tenth year following 2030.

4

Subsection (5) applies if, at any time during the relevant period, Article 7(2) of the 2001 Order requires the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland to set a date as the date of the poll for an Assembly by-election.

5

Before setting the date, the Chief Electoral Officer must consult the Secretary of State.

6

In subsection (4)—

  • “the relevant period” means the period beginning with the date on which this Act is passed and ending with 1 February 2021;

  • “the 2001 Order” means the Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) Order 2001 (S.I. 2001/2599).