Strengthening Democratic Processes
Legislation which aims to enhance Scotland’s democratic processes has been published in the Scottish Parliament.
The Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill includes provisions to encourage the piloting of electoral innovations such as digital polling cards, and provides powers for elections to be rescheduled in emergencies – for example a Covid-style health emergency.
Under the Bill, foreign nationals living and working in Scotland on a time-limited visa would become eligible to stand as candidates in Scottish Parliament and local government elections, in addition to their existing voting rights.
If passed by the Scottish Parliament, the legislation would ban people from being MSPs if they are found guilty of intimidating campaigners and electoral workers.
The Bill, introduced to the Parliament by the Scottish Government, also proposes changes to campaign rules for elections to improve fairness, transparency and controls against foreign spending. It will also allow Ministers to provide funding to drive up democratic engagement.
Following the responses to the extensive public consultation, the bill does not propose extending candidacy rights to 16- and-17-year-olds.
The functioning of our democracy is absolutely fundamental, and there is still room for improvement.
GRAEME
Further to reforms that I took through Parliament when I was Minister for Parliamentary Business myself, this new Bill proposes important enhancements where organisation, participation and fairness are concerned.
Just as with those reforms passed in 2020, the current proposals have been informed by a great deal of consultation.
I look forward to full scrutiny of this legislation as it passes through the parliamentary process.
A robust electoral system is fundamental to the success of Scotland being an inclusive and vibrant democracy that makes everyone feel included and empowered.
GEORGE ADAM, MINISTER FOR PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS
It is important that as many people in our society as possible feel they have an effective and independent means to hold government to account and feel encouraged take an active interest in politics and civic life including voting and standing for elections.
Everyone living in Scotland should have a say on how Scotland is run and the wide-ranging measures in this Bill share the common thread of empowering everyone with an interest in improving democracy.
