Guidance for Candidates and Agents at Senedd elections

The Returning Officer (RO) will, in English and Welsh:1

• announce the registered political parties and individual candidates who have been allocated a seat
• announce the names of the party list candidates who are to fill the seats
• declare the party list and individual candidates who have been elected

The RO may use commonly used names when declaring the result where the statement of parties and persons nominated shows that a candidate uses a commonly used name.2

The RO will also publish a notice stating:3

• the name of any party list candidate elected together with the name of the political party
• the name of any individual candidate
• the total number of votes given for each political party and each individual candidate
• the number of rejected ballot papers

The RO may use commonly used names when publishing the result where the statement of parties and persons nominated shows that a candidate uses a commonly used name.4

The RO may allow candidates to make speeches after the result is declared. Please check arrangements with your RO. You should ensure that you and your supporters comply with any instructions given by the RO regarding the standards of behaviour required during verbal announcements.

For more information about what happens after the result has been announced see our guidance on after the election.