(1) Save as otherwise provided in the Second Schedule, the provisions of the General Elections Act and of the Electoral Polling Ordinance shall apply to the conduct of referenda.

(2) The Electoral Commission may, from time to time, issue directives interpreting, as may be necessary, the provisions of the General Elections Act and the Electoral Polling Ordinance in their application to refrenda under this Act. Such directives shall be published in the Gazette as soon as may be after they are issued:

Provided that any directive so issued shall enter into force immediately even before its publication.