So far as is practicable in the circumstances, local authorities, electoral officers, and other electoral officials must take into account the following principles in making decisions under the Local Electoral Act 2001 or any other enactment:
(a) Fair and effective representation for individuals and communities
(b) All qualified persons have a reasonable and equal opportunity to:
- Cast an informed vote;
- Nominate 1 or more candidates;
- Accept nomination as a candidate;
(c) Public confidence in, and public understanding of local electoral processes through:
- The provision of a regular election cycle;
- The provision of elections that are managed independently from the elected body;
- Protection of the freedom of choice of voters and the secrecy of the vote;
- The provision of transparent electoral systems and voting methods and the adoption of procedures that produce certainty in electoral outcomes; and
- The provision of impartial mechanisms for resolving disputed elections and polls.