Scottish Elections (Reform) Act 2020

Scottish Parliament elections

3 Postponement of general elections to the Scottish Parliament

(1) The Scotland Act 1998 is amended as follows.

(2) In section 2 (ordinary general elections)—

(a) in subsection (5)(a), after “Parliament” insert “(unless the Parliament is already dissolved)”,

(b) after subsection (5) insert—

“(5ZZA) Before proposing a day for the holding of the poll under subsection (5), the Presiding Officer must consult the Electoral Commission.”.

(3) In section 3 (extraordinary general elections), after subsection (2) insert—

“(2A) Subsection (2B) applies if a proclamation is made under subsection (2).

(2B) If the Presiding Officer proposes another day for the holding of the poll at the extraordinary general election which is not more than one month later than the day on which the poll is required to be held under the proclamation, Her Majesty may by further proclamation under the Scottish Seal—

(a) require the poll at the election to be held instead on the day proposed under this subsection, and

(b) require the Parliament to meet within the period of seven days beginning immediately after the day of the poll.

(2C) Before proposing a day for the holding of the poll under subsection (2B), the Presiding Officer must consult the Electoral Commission.”.”.