Guidance for Returning Officers administering a Scottish Parliament election

When planning for the declaration of the local results you should:

• decide on the exact location in the count venue where public announcements and declarations will take place and who will be on the platform at these times 
• ensure the platform is accessible for all 
• consider if you could make use of display boards to provide a suitable backdrop for the announcement of results
• check any equipment you will use before the proceedings begin
• double-check that the result is accurate, and that it is written in the form of words for oral delivery in order to avoid any errors - you may need to repeat the declaration so that those in attendance are able to hear the detail clearly, particularly where there is noise from those attending

Make sure you follow the requirement to draw up a final statement and make a declaration of the local totals and the details of the rejected ballot papers under each heading

Constituency contest

As CRO, you must prepare a statement setting out:

• the total number of votes given for each candidate
• the description (if any) of each candidate
• the number of rejected ballot papers given under each heading1

Once the statement is prepared you must declare the result of the constituency contest2 and then notify the RRO of the result.3

When a candidate has used their commonly used name to stand in an election, you should use both their full name and their commonly used name when declaring the result.

However, there is no legal requirement to use both their full name and commonly used name, and you can decide on the approach to take when declaring results. Whichever approach is followed, you should ensure that you apply it consistently for all candidates and undertake any additional checks necessary on verification and count paperwork to ensure that candidates’ names appear in the same order as listed on the ballot paper.

Once the result is declared, it is final and cannot be amended. You should therefore take care to ensure that the result you declare is accurate.

However if you make an error in your oral announcement you can correct this, provided it is done immediately.

Regional contest

As CRO, you must prepare a statement, setting out the total number of votes given for each party and individual candidate and the description (if any) of each party or individual candidate and, the number of rejected ballot papers given under each heading.4

Once the statement is prepared and after submitting the results for the regional contest in your constituency to the RRO, you must then announce the local result for the regional contest in your constituency.5

For more information on declaring the regional results see our results collation guidance.