Rules 2002

Rule 20
Elections

(a) Full members and members of honour are entitled to vote and stand for office in all union elections.

(b) All ballots shall be in accordance with conditions laid down by the NEC. All elections shall be conducted by the single transferable vote method other than those within chapels, chapel branches, branches and for all ADM-elected bodies and delegations which shall be by the first past the post method.

(c) Elections for the NEC, IEC, SEC, Black Members Council, Equality Council, Ethics Council, Disabled Members Council and all industrial councils shall take place concurrently.

(d) In the case of ballots in any of the elections referred to in 20(c) the General Secretary shall appoint an Electoral Presiding Officer to adjudicate on all matters of dispute relating to the issue of ballot papers and the conduct of the ballot. His/her identity will be published in notices relating to the ballot.

(e) In the case of NEC elections, the Appeals tribunal shall arbitrate in disputes between the Electoral Presiding Officer and individual members over the issue of ballot papers or the conduct of the election. No additional ballot papers may be issued within two weeks of the last day for receipt of ballot papers except on instruction from the Appeals Tribunal.

(f) The last date for receipt of ballot papers in such elections shall be no less than six and no more than eight weeks after the close of nominations.

(g) All election candidates shall adhere to the code of conduct.

(h) Election candidates or their agents may not incur election expenses of more than stg£500.

(j) Candidate’s statements in elections for the NEC published in The Journalist or ballot documentation shall not exceed 400 words.

(k) All candidates for election shall, after publication of the list of candidates, be entitled to a print out of the names and addresses of all members entitled to vote in that candidate’s electoral constituency in order to distribute campaign material.