« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION
5.1 The Gould Report is a far reaching examination of Scotland's electoral system and makes important recommendations, not just to address the events of last May, but to reform the system to prevent similar problems arising in the future.
5.2 Central to the report is an analysis of a complex and fragmented landscape of legislation and managerial responsibility, that provides no clear accountability to the people of Scotland for these elections. The Scottish Government strongly believes that this situation must be addressed. The Scottish Government also strongly believes that there should be clear structure in Scotland for legislation for and management of these elections, this responsibility resting with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament, as those most closely affected, in line with the principles of devolution.
5.3 The report makes other important recommendations on Parliamentary and local elections. The Scottish Government intends to consult later this year on a Chief Returning Officer, and will consult next year on operational matters relating to the local government elections, including ballot paper design. The necessary changes will be made in good time for the next elections.
5.4 The Scottish Government is consulting now on decoupling local and Parliamentary elections, with a view to bringing forward the necessary legislative proposals next year.
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
March 2008
« Previous | Contents | Next »