The 2011 Scottish Parliament Election

Curtice, J. and Steven, M. (2011) The 2011 Scottish Parliament Election. Project Report. Electoral Reform Society, London, UK.

Abstract

Our aim in this report is to assess what lessons we should draw about the health and effectiveness of certain key aspects of the devolved electoral process in Scotland. In particular we are interested in how well the electoral system worked. We ask whether voters were able to participate effectively? How were votes cast translated into seats won? And what kind of person became a member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). We address these questions by analysing the election results themselves. In so doing, we aim to contribute to the continuing debate about the merits of different electoral systems, a debate that we anticipate will continue in the UK despite the outcome of the referendum on introducing the Alternative Vote in elections to the House of Commons.

• Item Type: Research Reports or Papers (Project Report)
• Keywords: Quality of democracy, electoral systems, political parties, UK politics
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Steven, Dr Martin and Curtice, Professor John
• Authors: Curtice, J., and Steven, M.
• Subjects: J Political Science > JA Political science (General)
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
• Publisher: Electoral Reform Society