Citizenship delay hits Liberal candidates

The NSW Liberal Party is scrambling to endorse two new election candidates after a delay in renouncing their citizenship.

‘이중 국적자의 연방 의회 피선거권 박탈’”을 명시한 연방헌법 44조의 불똥이 이번 연방총선으로까지 튀고 있다. Source: Getty Images

A delay in processing citizenship renunciations has led to two Liberal candidates for the May 18 federal election stepping aside.

The Liberal Party was due to formally nominate candidates for the NSW seats of Werriwa and Fowler within days.

But it appeared the foreign governments involved in processing their citizenship renunciations, which are needed in order for the candidates to be eligible for parliament under the Australian constitution, would not complete them in time.

"Despite those efforts, it has become clear that the candidates are unlikely to receive confirmation that their renunciation has taken effect prior the close of bulk nominations this weekend," a NSW Liberal spokesman told AAP on Thursday.

"The fact that the Liberal Party has not proceeded with these two nominations is no reflection on the individuals involved, and they should be commended for putting themselves forward as candidates to represent their respective communities."

New Liberal candidates are expected to be endorsed for the two NSW seats.