Alex Salmond, who led the party until 2000, appeared to rule himself out of the contest by saying he would decline if nominated.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | Under-fire SNP leader resigns

Spelling Bee Director Paige Kimble said the rule change is a natural extension of the contest.

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The most likely contest remains between Simon Thomas and Elin Jones (and never rule out Dafydd Elis-Thomas) - but there's a wider dimension where timing, not the successful candidate is key.

BBC: Plaid Cymru's French Revolution

Citizens lined up early in front of polling stations in Kuala Lumpur in this multiethnic country's 13th general elections, a contest that will send 222 lawmakers to parliament and decide who will rule 12 out of its 13 states for the next five years.

WSJ: Malaysians Turn Out in Record Numbers in Tight, Historic Election

Citizens lined up early in front of polling stations in Kuala Lumpur nearly an hour before the polls officially opened in this multiethnic country's 13th general elections, a contest that will send 222 lawmakers to parliament to decide who will rule 12 out of its 13 states for the next five years.

WSJ: Malaysians Turn Out in Large Numbers in Tight, Historic Election