The Electoral Commission is calling for the Scottish Parliament Election on May 7 to be free of abuse and intimidation.
In recent elections, candidates have faced unacceptable behaviour while campaigning, including harassment, threats and physical intimidation. Following the UK Parliament General Election in 2024, Commission research found over half (55%) of candidates felt that they had some kind of problem with harassment, intimidation, or abuse, with one in ten (13%) reporting it as a serious issue.
This led to more than half (56%) of respondents avoiding some kind of campaign activity due to fear of abuse. Women were also found to be twice as likely, and ethnic minorities three times more likely, to report serious abuse.
With the poll still six weeks away, the Electoral Commission is acting now to tackle the issue alongside partners including the Electoral Management Board for Scotland and Police Scotland. This includes supporting electoral administrators to ensure the safe and effective delivery of the election, including through providing guidance on their powers at polling stations and the count, so everyone can participate freely and without intimidation.
The Commission has published a set of principles to guide campaigning at the May elections, with a focus on maintaining respect, safety and honesty during robust debate. Created in response to recommendations made by the Speaker’s Conference on the security of MPs, candidates and elections, the principles build on common themes across parties existing codes of conducts, and aim to put in place a common, minimum standard of behaviour, to make sure that campaigners feel supported and protected.
Education also plays a critical role in tackling abuse by preparing young people to participate in democracy. The Commission is delivering democratic education for young people and New Scots to support media literacy and improve understanding of the role of the Scottish Parliament and its politicians.
Cahir Hughes, Acting Head of the Electoral Commission Scotland, said: “Abuse and intimidation should not be seen as part of the job for candidates , elected officials or electoral staff. This behaviour is unacceptable and harms democracy.
“Clear principles to help people take part in respectful campaigning are available, and we would encourage all parties and candidates to engage with the safety resources and briefings provided by Police Scotland.
“We will also continue to speak out against online harassment and threats directed at those taking part in elections and have made recommendations to social media companies to strengthen their response to abusive content.”
Malcolm Burr, Convener of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland, said: “Returning Officers and their staff will not hesitate to exclude anyone from polling places or the count if they disrupt proceedings.
“Any poor behaviour from candidates and agents undermines trust in the whole system. Voters must have confidence that the election will be run in a free, fair and safe manner for all.”
Chief Superintendent Neil MacDougall, Police Scotland, said: “Advice and briefings are being provided by Police Scotland to maximise the safety of candidates, minimise any risk of disruption and ensure a peaceful democratic process. All reports of criminality will be subject to an investigation.
“We continue to work with partners, including the Electoral Commission, and will liaise closely with local authority returning officers across Scotland regarding security at polling places.”
NO such problems at the Edinburgh Northern Hustings organised by Drylaw Telford Community Council at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre last night.
It was all very civilised – we even had a Conservative candidate agreeing with his Communist opponent! – Ed.
