The European Parliamentary Elections Regulations 2004

Agents of candidates who may attend proceedings on receipt of postal ballot papers

31.—(1) The election agent or sub-agent of each registered party standing nominated or each individual candidate may appoint one or more agents to attend the proceedings on the receipt of the postal ballot papers up to the number he may be authorised by the local returning officer to appoint so, however, that the number authorised shall be the same in the case of each registered party standing nominated or each individual candidate.

(2) Notice in writing of the appointment stating the names and addresses of the persons appointed shall be given by the election agent or sub-agent to the local returning officer before the time fixed for the opening of the postal voters' ballot box.

(3) Where postal ballot papers for more than one election or referendum are issued together under paragraph 27, the returning officer to whom notice shall be given under sub-paragraph (2) above and sub- paragraphs (4) and (5) is the returning officer who issues the postal ballot papers.

(4) If an agent dies or becomes incapable of acting, the candidate or election agent of a registered party may appoint another agent in his place and shall forthwith give to the local returning officer notice in writing of the name and address of the agent appointed.

(5) In this Part of this Schedule references to agents shall be taken as references to agents whose appointments have been duly made and notified and, in the case of agents appointed under sub-paragraph (1) above, who are within the number authorised by the local returning officer.

(6) A candidate may himself do any act or thing which any agent of his or his party, if appointed, would have been authorised to do, or may assist his agent or the agent of his party in doing any such act or thing.

(7) Where in this Part of this Schedule any act or thing is required or authorised to be done in the presence of the candidates or their agents, the non-attendance of any such persons or person at the time and place appointed for the purpose shall not, if the act or thing is otherwise duly done, invalidate the act or thing done.