(1) The competent election commission shall establish the validity of the proposed lists of candidates, or candidacies, pursuant to the provisions of this Act.

(2) Valid lists of candidates, or candidacies, shall be accepted by the competent election commission, and untimely or invalid lists of candidates, or candidacies, shall be dismissed by a decision or dismissed on the merits.

(3) When establishing the validity of lists of candidates or candidacies, the competent election commission shall act to protect the candidacy procedure, that is, the right to propose lists of candidates and candidacies.