Seòmar agus comataidhean

Perfect. There we go.

Stephen, can I pass over to Ivan, or do you want to continue?

Robert Nicol and Andy Hunter, do you want to add anything on that just now?

Our second agenda item is evidence on the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill. We are joined by Malcolm Burr, convener of the Electoral Management Board for Scotland; Andy Hunter, chair of the Scotland and Northern Ireland branch of the Association of Electoral Administrators; and Robert Nicol, vice-chair of the Scottish Assessors Association’s electoral registration committee and electoral registration officer for East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire.

Those are very long titles, but you are all very welcome at committee to give your contributions on the bill. If you are content, I will push off with questions, with the usual convener’s proviso that not everybody has to answer all the questions, but you should feel free to do so if you want to contribute something.

I kick off with the proposal in the bill to extend candidacy rights, particularly to those with limited leave to remain. I ask Malcolm Burr to answer first. What are your thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of that proposal, and do you have any concerns about it?

The disqualification order would be on the public record. In an election, would it be a challenge if there was more onus on the people who check the details to ensure that the voluntary information is correct? It is slightly different from some of the other matters that are, rightly, taken at face value. A disqualification order would be in effect within the public realm, so would it be unreasonable to expect something further than just the candidate having the obligation to declare it?

Good morning. Welcome to the seventh meeting in 2024 of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee. We have received no apologies this morning.

Our first agenda item is a decision on whether to take items 3 and 4 in private. Item 3 is consideration of the evidence that we are about to hear in public session and item 4 is consideration of our approach to a report from the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. Are members happy to take those items in private?

Members indicated agreement.

That is an important element, irrespective of the numbers that we are talking about. There should be a recognition of the increased importance of respect, particularly towards the individuals who help to roll out the vehicle of democracy. Excellent. That is helpful.

Stephen Kerr will ask about various changes.

No. [Laughter.]

Do other members have questions on that?

Robert Nicol, do you have any concerns about postponements?

Let us say that we entered a 16-week period of suspension quite close to the election day. That would have an impact on postal votes and on registration, so there could be—to use your description—churn. I agree that postponement—and related decisions—is a policy decision but, from an administrative point of view, what are the challenges were the register to reopen during that period, with more people becoming eligible to vote, and what are the challenges were it to remain closed, with the electorate being fixed in line with the original timetable?