There are several important pieces of legislations governing the conduct of local elections which candidates are required to observe.

The Local Elections (Disclosure of Donations and Expenditure) Act 1999 sets out legal requirements on the acceptance of political donations and on election expenditure that apply to local authority members, political parties, third parties and local election candidates.

Under section 18(6) of the Act, local authorities must draw up and publish to persons to whom the Act applies, guidelines concerning the steps to be taken by them to ensure compliance with the Act.

There are two sets of guidelines attached below

• Guidelines for Candidates in relation to their statutory obligations
• Guidelines for National Agents, Designated Persons, Third Parties in relation to their statutory obligations

These guidelines include the statements and forms to be completed by candidates and others after the election.

All election candidates should familiarise themselves with these legislative requirements.

• Certificate of Political Affiliation
• Statutory Declaration by Assentors
• Nomination procedure
• Guidelines for National Agents, Designated Persons 3rd Parties
• Guidelines for Candidates