23 Feb 2010
The Electoral Commission has published a report into the administration of the Glasgow North East UK Parliamentary by-election. The report from the independent elections watchdog will serve as an important reminder for everyone involved in preparing for the UK general election; it also asks questions about the current system for calling by-elections to the UK Parliament.
Jenny Watson, Chair of the Electoral Commission, said “A general election is only weeks away and the election timetable is very tight. There may be lots of people getting involved in elections for the first time, so now is a good time for everyone to make sure they’re ready.
“Voters who want to take advantage of the opportunity to vote by post, should think about applying now as there may not be much time to act once the date for the UK general election is announced.”
The report also looks at the issue of political parties collecting postal vote applications from voters.
Parties have an important role to play in raising awareness of elections but any delays by the party in forwarding postal vote applications to the Electoral Registration Officer could potentially disenfranchise voters as there may not be the time to correct any errors in applications.
The Commission has produced a code of conduct on postal voting which political parties have signed-up to. Political parties and candidates should ensure that all staff and volunteers are aware of the code, to avoid anything that may call their conduct into question. The code states that postal vote applications returned to a party should be sent to the Electoral Registration Officer within two working days of receipt.
Another issue highlighted was the number of candidates standing for the first time who required additional help from Returning Officers and their staff to understand election rules. Returning Officers need to be prepared to give assistance to first-time candidates standing in the UK general election.
“Returning Officers need to make sure that the information they provide for candidates is easy to understand, and candidates and parties need to make sure they are aware of all the rules involved in contesting an election,” said Jenny Watson.
The Electoral Commission is also recommending that the UK Parliament reviews the procedures for calling by-elections following the long period between the vacancy arising in the Glasgow North East constituency and the by-election taking place.
“The procedures for calling a by-election are complex and in this instance led to voters being without an MP for nearly five months,” said Jenny Watson.
“The Electoral Commission believes the UK Parliament should consider how long a Westminster seat should be able to remain vacant to ensure voters can elect a new MP in a timely way.”
ends/
Read the full report here (pdf)
For further information please contact:
Electoral Commission Press office
020 7271 0704
email: press@electoralcommission.org.uk
outside office hours 07789 920414
Notes to editors:
- The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Our aim is integrity and public confidence in the UK’s democratic process. We regulate party and election finance and set standards for well-run elections.
- Embargoed copies of the report on the administration of the 12 November 2009 by-election - The Glasgow North East UK Parliamentary by-election – are available as a PDF.
- The Glasgow North East vacancy arose after the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt. Hon. Michael Martin MP resigned.
- According to Election timetables, Research Paper 09/44, (House of Commons Library), 143 days is the longest period between the resignation of an MP and the election of another. Clear records are not available pre-1974.
- In both the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly, the Presiding Officer determines the date of the by-election which must be within three months of the seat becoming vacant.
