ELECTORAL ACT 1985 - SECT 96D
ELECTORAL ACT 1985 - SECT 96D
96D—Use of approved computer program in election
(1) An approved
computer program may, if the Electoral Commissioner so determines, be used in
the scrutiny of votes in an election.
(2) If an approved
computer program is used in the scrutiny of votes in an election, the
provisions of section 95 apply to the conduct of the scrutiny and the
filling of vacancies as follows:
(a)
subsections (2) and (3) apply according to their terms;
(b) the
processes described in subsections (4)(a) and (4)(b) are to be carried
out in conjunction with the entry into the computer of the necessary data from
the ballot papers and the operation of the computer to identify remaining
informal ballot papers (after taking into account the operation of
subsection (4a) (if relevant));
(c) the
computer must continue to be operated so as to carry out processes
corresponding to those that would be required to be carried out according to
subsections (4)(c) to (15) (inclusive), (17) and (20) to (28) (inclusive)
(after taking into account the operation of subsection (4a) (if
relevant));
(d)
however, if, in carrying out processes corresponding to those referred to in
subsection (21) or (23), there has not been a count or transfer at which
the candidates had a different number of votes, the computer processes must
pause while the returning officer makes a determination in accordance with
that subsection and causes the result of the determination to be entered into
the computer;
(e)
continuing candidates who at any stage of the scrutiny have received a number
of votes equal to or greater than the quota will be elected;
(f)
subsections (16), (16a), (18) and (19) apply according to their terms.