Guidance for Candidates and Agents at Scottish Parliament elections

The party list nomination form must be completed in English. The form must contain:1   

The full name of each candidate on the list in the order that they are to be elected, up to a maximum of 12 candidates 

• this means their surnames and other names in full 
• using initials only could lead to a candidate’s nomination being rejected 
• do not use prefixes such as Mr, Mrs, Dr or Cllr as part of the name

The same applies to suffixes. However, if a candidate on the party list has a title, they can use this as their full name. For example, if their actual name is Joseph Smith but their hereditary title is Joseph Avon, they can use the name Joseph Avon as their full name.

The full home address of each candidate on the list   

Each home address must:

• be completed in full
• not contain abbreviations
• be the candidate’s current home address 
• not be a business address (unless the list candidate runs a business from their home)

A description

A party submitting a party list must use the party’s name as the description to appear on the statement of persons and parties nominated and on the ballot paper.

The party name can be preceded by the word Scottish if it is not already part of the name. If the party name begins with The, then Scottish can be inserted after that word.

In addition, the party may choose to follow the party name with one of the descriptions that the party has registered with the Commission. For example, if Vote Party had registered a description of Democracy for all, then its regional list could use the following descriptions:

Particular care should be taken when completing the descriptions field on the nomination form. Except for the variants set out above, the party name and, if desired, description used on the nomination form must exactly match the party name/description on the Commission's online register of political parties. If it does not, the whole nomination will be rejected.

A regional list cannot be submitted jointly by two political parties. 

To be able to use the party’s name, or the name and a description, a party list must be also be accompanied by a certificate of authorisation. For more information see our guidance on the certificate of authorisation.

A statement signed by the person who has completed the nomination form

A statement declaring that it has been issued by the party’s Nominating Officer or someone authorised in writing to act on their behalf.