22/04/2010

Poll Observers Sought

The Electoral Commission is inviting anyone wishing to observe proceedings at the upcoming UK General Election to apply to be an accredited electoral observer.

The Electoral Commission can accredit individuals and groups as electoral observers, which will give them access to polling stations, the issuing and receipt of postal votes, and the count.

They said this week that anyone aged 16 or over can apply to the Electoral Commission for accreditation - before Monday 26 April.

This will be the first UK Parliamentary election where members of the public will be able to apply to observe the elections in Northern Ireland.

The Electoral Commission first accredited observers in Northern Ireland in last year's European Parliamentary elections.

Seamus Magee, Head of the Electoral Commission's office in Northern Ireland, said: "Allowing people to observe an election is an important way of ensuring that the process is transparent.

"Any individual or group keen to see how the electoral process works in practice can apply to become an accredited observer.

"It is an important move which demonstrates our commitment to ensuring integrity and transparency in the election process," he explained.

(BMcC/GK)

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