8Observers: individuals
(1)A person who is aged 16 or over may apply to the returning officer for a local government election for permission to be an observer at any of the following proceedings relating to the election—
(a)proceedings at the issue or receipt of postal ballot papers,
(b)proceedings at the poll,
(c)proceedings at the counting of votes.
(2)If the returning officer grants the permission sought, the applicant may attend and observe the proceedings referred to in subsection (1).
(3)An application under subsection (1) must be made in the manner specified in the code of practice issued under section 11.
(4)The returning officer may at any time revoke any permission granted under this section.
(5)If the returning officer—
(a)refuses an application under subsection (1), or
(b)revokes the permission granted under this section,
the officer’s decision together with reasons for the refusal or revocation must be given to the applicant.
(6)The decision and reasons under subsection (5) must be given by the returning officer in the manner specified in the code of practice issued under section 11.
(7)The rights conferred by subsection (2) are subject to any enactment which regulates attendance at the proceedings in question.