Commentary on Sections Part 1: Elections Section 7 - The voting system that applies
45.The simple majority system provided for under the rules made under the 1983 Act will apply unless a principal council chooses to change the voting system.
46.Where a new principal council area is formed as a result of merger or restructuring regulations the voting system will be specified in the regulations and this will apply until such time as the council may make a resolution to change it after the new principal area is constituted.
47.If a principal council changes its voting system, the system to which the council has most recently made a resolution to change applies. The change takes effect at the first ordinary election of councillors that takes place after the resolution to change is passed. It continues in effect until there is a resolution to change it again.
48.If, after the council has passed a resolution to change the system, a poll for an election to fill a casual vacancy in the office of councillor takes place before the first ordinary election of councillors under the new system, the voting system that applied at the last ordinary election must be used for that by-election.