26. (1) A returning officer, a local returning officer or any person employed by any such officer for any purpose relating to a European election shall not act as an agent for a candidate at that election and shall not be associated in furthering the candidature of a candidate or promoting the interests of a political party at the election.

(2) A returning officer or a local returning officer shall not employ in any capacity for the purposes of a European election a person who has been employed by or on behalf of a candidate in or about the election or has been associated in furthering the candidature of a candidate or promoting the interests of a political party at the election.