Scottish Government vows no repeat of 2007 election fiasco

Published on Friday 3 September 2010 13:48

Changes to local council elections could help ensure there is no repeat of the voting problems which marred the previous ballot, a Scottish Government minister said today.

Parliamentary Business Minister Bruce Crawford spoke out at the launch of a consultation on reforming election administration.

Views are now being sought on issues such as the design of ballot papers, the election timetable and the timing of the count.

More than 38,000 council ballot papers were rejected after problems at the 2007 vote which saw a system of proportional representation introduced for the first time in Scottish local government elections.

Legislation has already been brought in to ensure that council elections are not held on the same day as the Holyrood poll in the future.

The Scottish Government is also looking at creating a new post of Chief Returning Officer in a bid to bring greater clarity and consistency to the management of elections.

Mr Crawford said the new consultation would examine "key administrative issues which will need to be addressed in the regulations for the next local government elections in 2012".

He added: "This is the next stage in a series of reforms aimed at ensuring there is no repeat of the problems in the 2007 elections.

"It is vital that the processes that relate to the administration of elections in Scotland are robust and fit for purpose.

"This consultation will enable all those with an interest in the processes to make their voices heard on proposals which seek to improve fairness and accessibility for all."

The consultation runs until October 15.