Statement re. Nomination of Candidates for the Comhairle Election

9 April 2003

All candidates who were nominated for the Comhairle elections met all the necessary legal requirements.

There is no requirement and indeed no right for the Returning Officer to check on the mental health of a person who presents themself for nomination for election to a local authority.

The rules for council elections have recently been changed to make it far easier for a wide range of candidates to stand for office.

Once somebody has become a member of the Comhairle it is open to local electors, through the courts, to challenge the person's qualification to serve as a councillor. The law which applies to this situation is Section 32 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act.

Helen Froud
Deputy Returning Officer

Ends

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk