Guidance for Returning Officers administering a Senedd election

After the close of nominations you must publish a statement of parties and persons nominated and a notice of poll.1

For more information on the publication of the statement of parties and persons nominated see our guidance on producing election notices.

As you will now know which parties and candidates are standing in the constituency, it is important to revisit your project plan, risk register and plans for the management of polling stations and count. You should check whether they are still suitable or if any amendments are needed to ensure that processes run smoothly, safely and efficiently.

Factors to consider could include the number of parties and individual candidates standing, the level of experience that the parties and individual candidates nominated have of standing for elections and their knowledge of electoral processes, as well as any local risks or issues that could require specific management at polling stations or the count.

Where you have made arrangements to do so, you should also forward the email and phone contact details of candidates standing in the election to the Force Elected-Official Adviser (FEOA). You should ensure that candidates are aware of how their information will be used and provide them with the opportunity to opt out if necessary. For more information, see our guidance on working with your local police force.

Uncontested election

The election is uncontested if the number of candidates standing for the election (whether on a registered party’s list or individual candidates) is the same or less than the number of seats for the Senedd constituency.2
 
In these circumstances you must allocate the seats in accordance with the rules.3
    
You must as soon as practicable publish the statement parties and persons nominated. This must include a statement declaring those party list candidates and individual and elected.4 You must also complete a certificate in the prescribed form and deliver it to the Clerk to the Senedd.5