UK New Legislation: Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2024
On December 16, 2024, the UK government introduced a new order, known as the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2024. This order brings into effect certain provisions of the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024, which was enacted on July 25, 2024.
Key Provisions:
The Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2024 commences the following provisions of the parent Act:
- Section 1: Short title, commencement, and extent
- Section 2: Interpretation
- Section 3: Eligibility to vote in elections in Wales
- Section 4: Nomination requirements for elections in Wales
- Section 5: Restrictions on holding office in Wales
- Section 6: Publication of election results in Wales
- Section 7: Provision of information to the Electoral Commission about elections in Wales
- Section 8: Amendments to the Representation of the People Act 1983
- Section 9: Amendments to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000
- Section 10: Amendments to the Electoral Administration Act 2006
- Section 11: Amendments to the Local Government Act 1972
Purpose and Effects:
The main purpose of the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2024 is to bring into force the provisions of the parent Act that relate to elections in Wales. These provisions aim to modernize and improve the electoral system in Wales by:
- Expanding voting rights: Extending voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds, as well as foreign nationals who have been resident in Wales for five years.
- Simplifying nomination requirements: Making it easier for individuals to stand as candidates in elections.
- Strengthening election administration: Improving the efficiency and accuracy of election administration, including the provision of online voter registration.
- Increasing transparency: Enhancing transparency in the electoral process by requiring the publication of election results and information on candidates and political parties.
Commencement Date:
The provisions of the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2024 will come into force on December 16, 2024.
Implications:
The commencement of these provisions will have significant implications for the electoral system in Wales. Individuals who were previously excluded from voting will now be eligible, and political parties and candidates will need to adapt to the new nomination requirements. Election administrators will also have to implement the new measures to ensure efficient and fair elections.
The Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2024 is an important step towards modernizing the electoral system in Wales. It is expected to increase voter participation, improve the quality of elections, and enhance public trust in the electoral process.
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UK New Legislation a new article on 2024-12-16 03:05 titled “The Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2024 / Gorchymyn Deddf Etholiadau a Chyrff Etholedig (Cymru) 2024 (Cychwyn Rhif 1) 2024”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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