12Candidate statements

12 Candidate statements

(1)  A candidate in an election may supply the Returning Officer with a written statement to be distributed with ballot papers.

(2)  The written statement must be received by the Returning Officer before the close of nominations for the election.

(3)  The statement is not to –

(a) exceed 150 words; or

(b) mention any other candidate unless the signed consent of that other candidate has been received by the Returning Officer together with the statement.

(4)  The Returning Officer, interfering as little as possible with the content of the written statements received, may –

(a) edit any or all of those written statements to make them consistent in style and layout and to correct any errors in spelling; and

(b) shorten to the required length any written statement that does not comply with subregulation (3)(a) ; and

(c) remove any mention of any other candidate if the signed consent of that other candidate has not been received.