No place for abuse and intimidation at Holyrood election, warns watchdog
The Electoral Commission said candidates have faced unacceptable behaviour in recent years
There is no place for abuse and intimidation at the Holyrood election, a watchdog has warned.
The Electoral Commission said candidates have faced unacceptable behaviour while campaigning during recent votes, including harassment, threats and physical intimidation.
Following the general election in 2024, its research found more than half (55 per cent) felt they had some kind of problem with harassment, intimidation or abuse, with one in ten (13 per cent) reporting it as a serious issue.
This led to 56 per cent of respondents avoiding some kind of campaign activity due to fear of abuse. Women were also found to be twice as likely, and ethnic minorities three times more likely, to report serious abuse.
The Electoral Commission said it is acting now to tackle the issue at the Holyrood poll alongside partners including the Electoral Management Board for Scotland and Police Scotland.
This includes supporting electoral administrators to ensure the safe and effective delivery of the vote, including through providing guidance on their powers at polling stations and the count.
The watchdog has published a set of principles to guide campaigning, with a focus on maintaining respect, safety and honesty during robust debate.
It said it is also delivering democratic education for young people and others to support media literacy and improve understanding of the role of the Scottish Parliament and its politicians.
Police Scotland said it is providing advice and briefings to “maximise the safety of candidates”.
Cahir Hughes, acting head of the Electoral Commission Scotland, said: “Abuse and intimidation should not be seen as part of the job for candidates, elected officials or electoral staff. This behaviour is unacceptable and harms democracy.
“Clear principles to help people take part in respectful campaigning are available, and we would encourage all parties and candidates to engage with the safety resources and briefings provided by Police Scotland.
“We will also continue to speak out against online harassment and threats directed at those taking part in elections and have made recommendations to social media companies to strengthen their response to abusive content.”
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Malcolm Burr, convener of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland, said: “Returning Officers and their staff will not hesitate to exclude anyone from polling places or the count if they disrupt proceedings.
“Any poor behaviour from candidates and agents undermines trust in the whole system. Voters must have confidence that the election will be run in a free, fair and safe manner for all.”
Chief Superintendent Neil MacDougall of Police Scotland said: "Advice and briefings are being provided by Police Scotland to maximise the safety of candidates, minimise any risk of disruption and ensure a peaceful democratic process. All reports of criminality will be subject to an investigation.
“We continue to work with partners, including the Electoral Commission, and will liaise closely with local authority returning officers across Scotland regarding security at polling places.”
There are widespread concerns the election on May 7 could be one of the most bitter in Holyrood’s history.
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