17.—(1) A candidate ceases to be nominated if—
(a)the candidate withdraws before the nomination period ends;
(b)the candidate is treated as having withdrawn under rule 16(2);
(c)the candidate is disqualified by rule 10 (or becomes so disqualified before the nomination period ends);
(d)the candidate dies before the nomination period ends; or
(e)the returning officer decides, no later than 24 hours after the nomination period ends, that the candidate’s nomination paper is invalid.
(2) A returning officer may decide that a nomination paper is invalid only if it is not completed in accordance with rule 13(2).
(3) If a returning officer decides that a nomination paper is invalid, the officer must—
(a)endorse on the paper the decision and the reasons for it;
(b)sign the paper; and
(c)send notice of the decision to the candidate’s address as stated on the paper.
(4) A returning officer’s decision on validity of a nomination paper is final (but does not prevent the validity of a nomination from being questioned on an election petition).