(1) In this Regulation -

"Irish election" means an election of members of the special negotiating body conducted in accordance with Regulation 6 and this Regulation;

"returning officer" means the person appointed under paragraph (5).

(2) Where the number of candidates on the nomination day exceeds the number of members to be elected in the Irish election, a poll or polls shall be taken by the returning officer and voting in the poll shall take place by a secret ballot on a day or days to be decided by the returning officer.

(3) Where the number of candidates on the nomination day equals the number of members to be elected in the Irish election, those candidates shall be deemed elected.

(4) Where the number of candidates on the nomination day is less than the number of employees' representatives to be elected in the Irish election then the returning officer may extend the time for making nominations until such time as the number of candidates is greater than or equal to the number of employees' representatives to be elected in the Irish election.