Commentary on Sections Part 1: Referendums Section 11: Legal challenge
51.Section 11 circumscribes the circumstances under which the formal result of a referendum under the Act may be challenged in legal proceedings. It does this by prohibiting the courts from considering any challenge to a certificate of the number of ballot papers or votes cast (as produced by a Chief Counting Officer or counting officer or person with the equivalent role) unless the challenge is brought by way of judicial review. In addition, the proceedings for such a challenge must be commenced within six weeks of the date of the relevant certificate. A six week period ensures that the process of establishing an elected assembly is not unduly delayed, whilst allowing sufficient time for challenge.