Representative for parties with the same interest

(1) Where more than 50 persons are parties to an administrative procedure with the same interest, without being represented, the authority may call on them to appoint a joint representative within a reasonable period, where the proper conduct of the administrative procedure would otherwise be impaired. Where they do not comply with the call in time, the authority may appoint a joint representative on its own initiative. Only a natural person may be a representative.
(2) The power of representation lapses as soon as the representative or the person represented declares this to the authority in writing; the representative may make such a declaration only in respect of all persons represented. Where the person represented makes such a declaration, he or she should at the same time inform the authority whether he or she maintains the submission and whether he or she has appointed an authorised representative.