If we have European Parliament elections, this is the probable timetable

As part of its contingency planning for the UK taking part in the this year’s European Parliament elections after all, the Electoral Commission has put together a timetable for the contest.

Note in particular that nominations would close on 25 April, just a month away at the time of writing. That heightens the chances that The Independent Group would sit out the contest as finding a credible slate of candidates, some of whom might win, in such a short time would be very challenging. It helps explain why the noises coming out of TIG are not about them seeing these elections as a launchpad. Conversely, that means the contest would provide an extra opportunity for the Liberal Democrats to assert their role in the political system and in the Remain campaign.

Note also the fun of a Gibraltar bank holiday which changes the timings for one region, and only that one region.

The elections will, if they take place, use the d’Hondt system.

European elections timetable

This timetable flows from existing law, though, of course, it is possible there may be some crash legislation which alters it. It is hard to see, however, what the reason would be for changing the timings.

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