23 Oct 2007
The Electoral Commission today welcomed the publication of elections expert Ron Gould's independent review of the Scottish Elections.
The report considers the administration of the Scottish Parliamentary and local government elections on 3 May this year in the light of concerns raised about some issues surrounding the election, including the number of rejected ballot papers.
The Electoral Commission has a duty to report on the conduct of Scottish Parliamentary elections and was also asked by the Scottish Executive to report on the local government elections.
On this occasion, the Commission appointed Ron Gould to carry out an independent assessment so that he could include aspects where the Commission itself had a role. The Commission has today also published a companion volume on the elections, covering issues not included in Ron Gould and his teams terms of reference.
Sam Younger, Chairman of the Electoral Commission, said:
'We're grateful for the enormous amount of work Ron and his team have put into this Review process over the past months. It is now the responsibility of all involved in the administration of elections in Scotland to give proper consideration to its findings and recommendations.'
Electoral Commissioner Sir Neil McIntosh added:
'The report identifies lessons to be learnt for all of us so we can address the issues that arose in Mays elections. Above all, we believe this work will help ensure that future Scottish elections are run smoothly, efficiently and with the voters interests at heart. Where room for improvement has been identified, well take on board the recommendations. Where good practice has been noted, we will look to extend this'.
Copies of both Ron Gould's report and the Electoral Commission's report are available at http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk
/ends
For further information contact:
James Mackenzie on 0131 225 0215.
or
Euan Holloway on 020 7271 0529
Out of office hours 07789 920414
press@electoralcommission.org.uk
Notes to editors
1. Ron Gould will present his report at a media briefing in Edinburgh today (23 October) at 11am. Ron Gould will be available for comment until approx 2pm on this day only please contact Ian Coldwell on 07703 258834 / 0131 556 0770.
2. The Electoral Commission is an independent body established by the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. Its aim is to promote integrity and public confidence in the UKs democratic process.
