Scottish independence: Third option on ballot would ‘muddy waters’, expert warns

THE prospect of the independence referendum containing a third option of more powers for Holyrood would “muddy the waters” for voters, an international elections expert has warned.

• ‘Devo-max’ option on ballot paper would confuse voters, according to electoral expert Ron Gould

• Gould was scathing of clarity of ballot papers in 2007 elections in Scotland after 140,000 votes were spoiled

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• Meanwhile, Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie has accused the SNP of being out to ‘rig the result’ after saying they ‘weren’t listening’ to advice to have single-question ballot

Canadian Ron Gould, who carried out a damning report into the 2007 Holyrood election fiasco, says Scotland’s historic 2014 vote must not leave any “conflict” over what Scots have voted for.

“The last thing you want to do is to end up with a referendum where there is conflict as to whether that referendum was truly the expression of the will of the Scottish people,” he told BBC Scotland.

“One question, suitably tested and unambiguous, can do this - assuming that you, ahead of time, determine what constitutes a clear majority.

“Two questions will muddy the waters, in my opinion.”

Mr Gould said votes had been treated as an “afterthought” in the 2007 elections which saw more than 140,000 votes spoiled after an overhaul of the ballot papers in the months leading up to the vote.

Concerns have emerged that more than 90 per cent of Scots could back the so-called “devo max” option of more powers for Holyrood in a three-option referendum. But if just 51 per cent - a simple majority – back independence, this would win.

Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said today: “Despite the evidence to support having only one question on the ballot paper the First Minister has so far refused to listen leading to suspicions that the SNP are out to rig the result.

“I have tried until I am purple in the face to get the First Minister to acknowledge that having a situation where independence can still win even if 99 per cent of voters support remaining part of the UK is ridiculous.”

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“This is the biggest political decision to be made in a generation. It must be carried out in a way that befits the gravity of the choice we face.”

Labour’s external affairs spokeswoman Patricia Ferguson said devolution and separation are “two different things”.

“The future of our country is too important to risk confusing these two opposing concepts on the same ballot paper,” she added.

“This powerful intervention from Ron Gould confirms what Scottish Labour has been saying for a number of months now - we need a single, clear, decisive question on whether or not to leave the United Kingdom.”