Commission urges elections overhaul
- Published: 27 August 2008 09:10
- Author: Jo Stephenson
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- Last Updated: 27 August 2008 09:11
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The Electoral Commission has called for the creation of regional boards to help ensure elections are better run.
This is one of the key recommendations in a report published today by the commission following a wide-ranging review.
The body says regional electoral management boards, which would help plan and run elections, would also boost accountability.
They would be made up of returning officers and electoral administration officers and chaired by senior returning officers, who would have legal powers to direct other returning officers in their area.
The Electoral Commission's report - Electoral Administration in the UK - calls for simpler electoral law and urges government to address a shortfall in funding for electoral administration.
It also calls for a strengthened role for returning officers.
"Ensuring that returning officers remain independent, and are reinforced with the leadership, support and direction of the chair of an election management board, would build on the strengths of the current system," said commission chairman Sam Younger.
