NEW political parties wishing to register for the ACT’s October 20 election must lodge their applications before July 1.

“Applications must be accompanied by the constitution of the party and the names of at least 100 members of the party who are on the ACT electoral roll,” said electoral commissioner Phillip Green.

“The main advantage of registration for a party was the right to list party candidates in a column under the party’s name on ballot papers.”

He said registered parties were also given other rights, such as the right to nominate candidates and to receive copies of the electoral rolls.

There are seven political parties currently registered to contest the October 2012 election:

• Australian Labor Party (ACT Branch)
• Australian Motorist Party
• Liberal Democratic Party
• Liberal Party of Australia (A. C. T. Division)
• Pangallo Independents Party
• The ACT Greens
• The Community Alliance Party (ACT)

Information on how to apply for registration can be found on the Elections ACT website atwww.elections.act.gov.au