We are concerned by the nature of the media attention focused on the election of Dr Q Manivannan to the Scottish Parliament at the recent election. Rather than celebrating the improvement in representation of Scotland’s diverse population Dr Manivannan’s election represents, our public sphere has been fixated on debating their right to be an MSP.
Less than eighteen months ago, the Scottish Parliament unanimously passed, with every party voting in favour, the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act. This gave the right to stand for election to anyone with leave to remain in Scotland, whether temporary or permanent. It is therefore clear that Dr Manivannan had a legal right to seek and win election.
That law built on earlier efforts to make the Scottish electoral system more democratic and inclusive.
The Elections (Franchise and Representation) Act 2020 expanded voting rights for the Scottish Parliament and Scottish local authorities to most people legally living in Scotland, regardless of their citizenship status. This was a recognition of the contributions that everybody living, working, raising families and studying in Scotland make to our communities and economy. It was an affirmation of the principle that Scotland is governed by and for everyone who lives here.
Dr Manivannan’s success in being elected is one of the intended results of this widely supported legislation. The people who choose to make their homes here should be included, supported and electorally represented.
It is a sad sign of the times, and the state of our public discourse, that what should have been a proud moment for Scottish democracy has been marred by partisan spin, attacks on Dr Manivannan’s identity both as an immigrant and non-binary person, and media failures to confront disinformation.
This treatment of Dr Manivannan risks further cementing barriers to public office for women, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ people and people from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Research on experiences of seeking elected office in Scotland suggests that harassment on social media and hostile media coverage is a significant factor in discouraging potential candidates from underrepresented groups.
This needs to change – especially in light of the decline in women’s representation in the current parliament.
We welcome the election of Dr Manivannan as an example of what we hope will be a more open and inclusive democracy that welcomes immigrants as both voters and representatives. We hope that the new parliament will represent all of the people of Scotland, promote tolerance and respect in the chamber, and work to uphold the rights and dignity of all.
Organisations supporting the statement include: The Young Women’s Movement, Scottish Trans, Equality Network, LGBT Youth Scotland, Inclusion Scotland, CRER (Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights), Equal Representation Coalition, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, CEMVO Scotland, ElectHER and Engender