Scotland goes to the polls

With the Scottish Parliament elections scheduled for 5 May, voters will determine whether to grant Alex Salmond's SNP government another four years in office.

Since devolution in 1999, Scottish voters have been entitled to elect their own government at Holyrood. British citizens and the citizens of EU member states and qualifying Commonwealth countries are eligible to vote if they are resident in Scotland.

Dr Nicola McEwen, co-director of the Institute of Governance at the University of Edinburgh, told The Journal that the current backdrop of "fiscal restraint" in the British political discourse may affect the progress of this election.

"What will make this election distinct to previous Holyrood elections is that it's the first against the backdrop of a Conservative government. In addition, it's the first election set against major fiscal restraint over the UK.

"It will also raise the important question of which prospective First Minister can stand up for Scottish interests."

Dr McEwen also highlighted the importance of youth participation in these elections, saying: "It is very important for all UK-based students in Edinburgh to take part in the May election, and to remember the pivotal role that the Scottish Parliament holds, and its responsibilities."

Under the provisions of the Scotland Act 1998, the Scottish Parliament has legislative competence for a number of policy areas, including education, health and justice.

Elections to the Scottish Parliament are held every four years. Constituency MSPs are elected by simple majority, but electors also cast a second vote for a party's regional list using proportional representation. The use of a single ballot for both votes caused chaos at the 2007 election, when up to seven per cent of ballots were spoiled. In the Lothians, returning officers rejected over 9,000 votes.

Edinburgh is divided into six constituencies, with a further seven list MSPs. The city is regarded as a key battleground for the major Scottish parties, and the campaign is likely to be highly competitive.

Nationwide, the battle is likely to be between the SNP and Labour, but the use of proportional representation makes an overall parliamentary majority less likely, meaning that smaller parties may be influential. The Greens played a crucial kingmaker role in 2007, and although the Conservatives in Scotland were all but wiped out at Westminster in the 1990s, they still control 16 seats at Holyrood.

Political blogger Mark Pack told The Journal that despite ongoing negative publicity around their role in the Westminster coalition, "another Parliament with no overall majority may give the Liberal Democrats an increase in political power."