A report published today by the Electoral Commission says that changes must be made to electoral law to make sure that future elections in Scotland run smoothly, with voters being put first by all involved.
The report, Electoral Administration in Scotland, calls for a series of changes that should be made by election officials, government and the Commission itself when managing future elections. These recommendations include the establishment of a Scotland Electoral Management Board to provide coordination, leadership and support for elections. The board should be made up of those running elections in an area, recognised in law and independent.
The report also calls for the Convener of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland to have a statutory power to issue orders to Returning Officers to ensure that best practice is followed and to keep professional standards high.
The Commission also proposes strengthening the role of Returning Officers to ensure that their operational role in running elections is distinct from the formation of election policy by government, and the performance oversight role of the Electoral Commission.
There is also a call for the simplification of electoral law, and to address the shortfall in funding for electoral administration in Scotland, and ensuring that electoral law is finalised six months before any election, as recommended in the Gould report.
The report also calls for consideration of the financial and practical implications of establishing a professional UK-wide electoral registration service.
Sam Younger, the chairman of the Electoral Commission said: “When we make decisions about how elections are run, we all need to think about the voter’s interests above all else. Elections are the opportunity for citizens to take part in the democratic process and have their say about how we are governed and the services we receive.
“The planning and running of elections need to be more robust and coordinated. We are still trying to run 21st century elections with 19th century structures, and the system is under severe strain."
The Commission has today also published a report on electoral administration across the whole of the UK, and Younger added: “Ensuring that Returning Officers remain independent, and are reinforced with the leadership, support and direction of the Chair of an Election Management Board, would build on the strengths of the current system. Our proposal is designed to allow local Returning Officers to continue to respond to local circumstances while ensuring that there is a consistently high standard of service for all electors across the UK.”
John McCormick, Electoral Commissioner for Scotland said: “The 2007 elections in Scotland brought the shortcomings of the current system into sharp focus.
“The recommendations in this report are based on the findings of the Gould report and the lessons we have learned from the 2007 elections, including the importance of ensuring that electoral law is finalised six months before an election.
“We have played a leading role in the debate that has been taking place since May 2007 and we compiled this report based on conversations that we had with all those with an interest in elections in Scotland. It’s our belief that they will considerably improve and streamline the management of Scottish elections.”
The Electoral Reform Society has welcomed the Electoral Commission’s recommendations on electoral administration.
The Society’s Chief Executive Dr Ken Ritchie said: “The Electoral Commission has already closely involved in Scottish local elections at the invitation of the Scottish Executive and it makes sense that its involvement is formalised.
“There is still the thorny question of whether the Scottish Government should be responsible for all elections in Scotland but, however, the politicians resolve that one, the Commission’s recommendations on the administrative arrangements remain valid and important.
“The Commission appears to have struck the right balance between making returning officers more accountable and preserving their independence and their scope for innovation."
The report is available on the Electoral Commission website.
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