Explanatory Notes

Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation) Act 2020

2020 asp 6

1 April 2020

The Structure and Summary of the Act

Part 1 – Foreign Nationals

Section 3 - Local government elections: nomination, election and holding office

12.Section 3 of the Act makes a number of amendments to section 29 of the 1973 Act in regard to allowing a “qualifying foreign national” (as defined in the definition inserted by subsection (4)), to be nominated for election and holding office as a member of a local authority in Scotland. The definition of “qualifying foreign national” for these purposes means a person who does not require leave under the Immigration Act 1971 to enter or remain in the United Kingdom, is to be treated as having indefinite leave to remain in the UK or has pre-settled status. The existing qualifications for nomination, election and holding office as a member of a local authority will apply to such foreign nationals as they currently apply to qualifying Commonwealth citizens and citizens of the Republic of Ireland.