Information for registered political parties, candidates and agents
The Electoral Commission has recently published general guidance for registered political parties, candidates and agents which provides practical advice to anybody wishing to stand in the 2009 European Parliamentary Elections. This can be downloaded from their website:
The Regional Returning Officer, Sir Howard Bernstein, is responsible for all aspects of the nominations process and the calculation and declaration of the result. Nomination papers will be available from his office on request in due course. The Regional Returning Officer will be running an appointment system for the submission of nomination papers for the convenience of candidates and agents. The closing date for nominations is 5pm on 7 May 2009. More detailed information about key dates is available in the Elections Timetable.
Electoral Integrity is a key priority for the Regional Returning Officer and a Code of Conduct and Fraud Protocol has been developed in conjunction with Greater Manchester Police and this will be published on this website in March. Political parties, candidates and agents are encouraged to ensure that all those working for them on the Election are aware of the provisions of the Code.
The Regional Returning Officer intends to hold a briefing for political parties, agents and prospective candidates in the Spring and this will include information about electoral integrity, including the regional fraud protocol and Code of Conduct, the nominations process, the appointment of agents and sub agents and other key information. Interested parties are advised to contact the Office of the Regional Returning Officer as soon as possible to indicate their interest.