Rule 180a : Voting by secret ballot (1)

1.   In the case of appointments, voting shall be by secret ballot without prejudice to Rules 15(1) and 204(2), first subparagraph.

Only ballot papers bearing the names of candidates who have been nominated shall be taken into account in calculating the number of votes cast.

2.   Voting shall also be by secret ballot if this is requested by Members or a political group or groups reaching at least the high threshold. Such requests must be made before voting begins.

3.   A request for a secret ballot shall take priority over a request for a vote by roll call.

4.   Between two and eight Members chosen by lot shall count the votes cast in a secret ballot, unless an electronic vote is taken.

In the case of votes under paragraph 1, candidates shall not act as tellers.

The names of Members who have taken part in a secret ballot shall be recorded in the minutes of the sitting at which the ballot was held.