(This note is not part of the Order)
Special provisions apply in relation to the disclosure and publication by the Electoral Commission of loans and donations made to political parties and other regulated recipients (such as members of political parties and holders of elective office) in Northern Ireland. The provisions apply for the duration of the period prescribed in the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (“2006 Act”) (in relation to donations) and the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (Regulation of Loans etc: Northern Ireland) Order 2008 (“2008 Order”) (in relation to loans and regulated transactions within the meaning of the Electoral Administration Act 2006).
The period currently prescribed in both the 2006 Act and the 2008 Order expires on 28th February 2013 but may be extended by Order by the Secretary of State. It was extended for a period of two years in March 2011. The prescribed period in both the 2006 Act and the 2008 Order will be extended for a further period of nineteen months expiring on 30th September 2014. This Order therefore makes the relevant amendments to the 2006 Act and the 2008 Order. Article 2 amends the 2006 Act substituting 30th September 2014 for 28th February 2013 in the provision which describes the prescribed period and article 3 makes the same amendment to the 2008 Order.
A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the private or voluntary sector is foreseen.