Offence of making a false statement on nomination paper
You should remind any person delivering the nomination papers that it is a criminal offence to provide a false statement on nomination papers. If the nomination form includes a commonly used name, you should highlight that the offence also applies if a commonly used name is given that the candidate does not actually commonly use. You may warn candidates and parties that the penalty for a false statement is an unlimited fine and/or six month’s imprisonment.
You should not give advice on questions of candidates’ eligibility or disqualification but should direct them to our guidance for candidates and agents in the first instance. You should advise them to seek their own legal advice should they have any further concerns.