‘Safety first’ call as May election draws nearer
Perthshire politicians have said public safety is the most important factor in deciding whether this year’s Holyrood elections go ahead in May.
The Scottish Parliament elections are due to take place on May 6.
But there have been suggestions the vote should be postponed to focus on beating COVID-19.
According to a poll taken in January, half of Scots voters want to see the election pushed back, while the ruling group at North Lanarkshire Council has asked for it to be postponed.
Concerns raised include not being able to campaign in the usual manner.
And local MSPs John Swinney and Liz Smith want to ensure people’s health and safety is prioritised.
Mr Swinney is due to stand in the May election for re-election defending the Perthshire North seat.
The deputy first minister said: “Whilst it should be noted that the power to decide whether or not the election proceeds does not unilaterally lie with the Scottish Government, it is my hope and expectation that the election will proceed as planned on May 6.
“Naturally, the most important consideration must be the health of the public and ensuring that they are not subjected to any unnecessary risk.
“However, as a result of the Scottish Government’s efficient rollout of the vaccine and a steady reduction in case numbers, I am hopeful that we will be in a significantly better place overall three months from now.”
Scottish Conservative MSP Liz Smith represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region and is based at Perth Airport.
She told the PA: “The democratic process is extremely important and clearly other elections in other countries have been successfully administered against the backdrop of the pandemic.
“However, public safety must be paramount and therefore it will be a matter of whether the local authorities who are asked to undertake the organisation of general elections feel that the election can be run in a COVID-19 secure manner.
“Their advice is crucial, and I am sure a decision will be made soon.”
Two council by-elections were help in Perth back in November, but COVID rules were less restrictive back then.
Another by-election will be held in the Almond and Earn ward next month.