
1 

(1) This Order may be cited as the Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) (Amendment) Order 2002.
(2) In this Order the “2001 Order” means the Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) Order 2001.
(3) This Order shall come into force on 1st December 2002, except for the purposes of an election where the last day for the publication of the notice of election is before that date.
(4) This Order extends to Northern Ireland only.
2 

(1) Schedule 1 to the 2001 Order (application with modifications of statutory provisions relating to elections) is amended as follows.
(2) In the right-hand column of that Schedule, in rule 44B (preliminary proceedings) of the rules in Schedule 1 to the Representation of the People Act 1983 (as modified)—
(a) in paragraph (3), the words from “it is returned” to the end are to be sub-paragraph (a) of that paragraph, and after “authenticated” there is inserted—“and
(b) in the case of an elector, that declaration of identity states the date of birth of the elector and the returning officer is satisfied that the date stated corresponds with the date supplied as the date of the elector’s birth pursuant to section 10(4A)(b), 10A(1A)(b) or 13A(2A)(b) of this Act, as applied by Schedule 1 to the Elected Authorities (Northern Ireland) Act 1989.”; and
(b) after paragraph (3) there is inserted—“
(3A) In the case of an elector, unless section 10(4B), 10A(1B) or 13A(2B) of this Act (as applied by Schedule 1 to the Elected Authorities (Northern Ireland) Act 1989) applies, the declaration of identity referred to in paragraph (3) shall be taken not to be duly signed unless the returning officer is satisfied that the signature on the declaration corresponds with the signature supplied as the elector’s signature pursuant to section 10(4A)(a), 10A(1A)(a) or 13A(2A)(a) of this Act (as so applied).”.
3 

(1) Schedule 2 to the 2001 Order (application with modifications of provisions of subordinate legislation relating to elections) is amended as follows.
(2) In the right-hand column of that Schedule, opposite to the entry in respect of regulation 82 of the Representation of the People Regulations 2001, insert—“
For the words “rule 45(2)(b) and (2A)” substitute “rule 44B(3)(b) and (3A)””.
John Reid
One of Her Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State
Northern Ireland Office
24th July 2002