Muammar Al Khadafi

Nominations for the position of National Chairman closed at noon today, reports National Executive member and Returning Officer Geoff Dickens.

Two candidates have been validly nominated. They are the current National Chairman, Nick Griffin MEP, and Andrew Brons MEP. Whoever is elected will have a four-year term of office, beginning from Monday 25th July, when the votes will be counted.

As laid out in the new section of the Constitution on the handling of these contests, a series of fifteen hustings meetings will now take place around the country, at which both candidates will be given the opportunity to speak and answer questions. These meetings are only open to two-year-plus members in their home region.

Additionally, this website will publish this Thursday the statements (of up to 500 words) supplied by the candidates prior to the close of nominations. The ballot papers sent to all two-year-plus members will carry statements of up to 150 words from each candidate.

This website will also feature a five-minute broadcast from each candidate setting out their views. Campaigning for votes outside of official channels is banned.

Members are urged to consider their vote carefully, but like a jury should base their decision on the direct evidence – the statements from the candidates themselves, their track record and their performance at the hustings. Any third-party comments from those hostile to our Party whether in print or on the Internet should be discounted.

National Organiser Adam Walker, who has set up the hustings meetings in every region, said: "I trust this is going to be a good clean fight between two Party heavyweights. Once the members have made their decision, I expect everyone to unite behind that. I urge everyone entitled to vote to do so."