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Objections to nominations

The time within which an objection can be made depends on when the nomination papers are delivered.

Timetable for objections1

Nominations delivered up to and including 4pm on the day before the deadline for the delivery of nomination papers 

Objections to any nomination form delivered up to and including 4pm on the day before the deadline for the delivery of nomination papers must be made on or before noon on the day of the deadline for the delivery of nomination papers on or before noon.

Nominations delivered after 4pm on the day before the deadline for the delivery of nomination papers

Objections to any nomination form delivered after 4pm on the day before the deadline for the delivery of nomination papers must be made on or before 5pm on the day of the deadline for the delivery of nominations papers. 

Decisions on objections

The Returning Officer (RO) will consider any objections made, but is entitled to hold a nomination invalid only on the following grounds:2

  • that the nomination form does not include a party name or description in breach of rule 6(3) of the Senedd election rules
  • that the nomination form does not include a party list, or more than 8 candidates have been included on the party list
  • that the nomination form does not include a certificate authorising the use of a party name or description in breach of rule 7(1) and (5) of the Senedd election rules
  • that the form is not subscribed as required by rule 6(8) of the Senedd election rules
  • that each candidate on the party list has ceased to stand nominated because:
    • they have died or withdrawn
    • they are not as required by law:
      • they are disqualified under 16(A1) of the 2006 Act or
      • their candidature is in breach of s7(4) of the 2006 Act

The RO’s decision that a nomination is valid is final and cannot be challenged during the election. The decision can only be challenged after an election through an election petition.3 For more information see our guidance on election petitions

Last updated: 1 April 2026