How to register a political party for ACT Legislative Assembly elections
Elections ACT has produced a party registration handbook which is intended to summarise the electoral law relating to the registration of political parties in the ACT.
Summary
A political party is an organisation which has, as an object or activity, the promotion of the election to the Assembly of a candidate or candidates endorsed by it. A full definition of a party, including requirements of a party name, can be found in the Electoral Act 1992.
Party registration ensures that the party's nominations for the ACT Legislative Assembly can be handled in a block, that the party name or abbreviation can be printed on the ballot paper at election time and that candidates can appear under the party name in adedicated column.
Each registered party is responsible for submitting annual and election returns outlining the party's expenditure, income and debts.
To register as a party, an application form, available from the Commission or from the handbook, must be lodged with the Commission, and must be accompanied by party membership detailsand a copy of the party's constitution. The Commission has set requirements for a party's constitution.
An application for party registration, or any application to change the name or abbreviation of an already registered party, may be made at any time. However, to take effect at an election, an application must be made before 1 July in an election year.
More details can be obtained by viewing the handbook, or contact Elections ACT for a printed version or if you require more information.