SNP welcome by-election investigation

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2009-02-03

The SNP have welcomed an independent investigation into the disappearance of the marked-up register for the Glenrothes by-election from Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

The register which shows who has voted - though not how they voted - is a key part of the democratic process and allows any member of the public or political party to check the numbers of people voting for themselves.

On becoming aware the register was missing Ms Marwick, who represents the Glenrothes area at Holyrood said;

"The marked registers are an essential element of any election campaign.

"They allow a check of who voted, but not how they voted, to confirm that the election was conducted properly. Without these records there is no evidence of either a fair or unfair election. This undermines the confidence of everyone who took part.

"It is almost beyond belief that a by-election which attracted media coverage throughout the UK, which delivered such a surprise result and had a much higher turnout than anticipated now has no records to show who actually voted."

The Convener of the SNP in Central Fife first asked for the marked registers in November and following numerous phone calls the Sheriff Clerk's Office finally admitted on Friday that the records were missing.

Welcoming the Scottish Court Service's commitment to an independent investigation Tricia Marwick said;

"I welcome this swift action by the Scottish Court Service and their commitment to an independent investigation.

"Any investigation must be truly external and not conducted by anyone involved in the court or the running of the election itself.

"The SNP first requested the marked-up register in November less than two weeks after the election took place.

"This investigation must explain why it was not available then and why it has taken two months for the Sheriff Clerk to admit it has disappeared."