Constitution for Scotland Public Consultation Hub

Section 7.2. The First Minister will be elected by Parliament from its Members, by open ballot and a simple majority vote.

Proposed Amendments to Section

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Original Version

  • Avatar admin
    Administrator #1  •  2020-08-20 17:46:11

    Section 7.2. Section 7.2. The First Minister will be elected by Parliament from its Members, by open ballot and a simple majority vote.

    3 votes  |  I agree 3
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Proposed Amendment to Section 7.2.

  • Roi Semo

    Dualistic parliamentary system and election changes

    Section 7.2. The First Minister will be elected by Parliament by secret ballot from among persons eligible for Parliament, as provided in sections 7.2A., 7.2B and 7.2C.
    A First Minister elected from the Members of Parliament must vacate his or her Parliamentary seat upon being elected First Minister.

      • Roi Semo

        Section 7.2. This amendment facilitates a more detailed procedure to elect the First Minister (comparable in length and detail to the equivalent procedures in Germany and Estonia) - described by the new sections 7.2A., 7.2B and 7.2C, proposed in the other comments - and also provides that the First Minister cannot serve as an MSP simultaneously, similarly to Scandinavian and Benelux practice, to ensure separation of powers between the legislature and executive.

          • Roi Semo

            Section 7.2. New Section 7.2A:

            7.2A. The Head of State will nominate a First Minister-designate, after consulting representatives of the Parties having seats in Parliament, to ensure the nominee is supported by an absolute majority in Parliament. Once nominated, Parliament decides whether or not the First Minister-designate will be elected by absolute majority vote.
            If the First Minister-designate nominated by the Head of State fails to be elected, the right to nominate the First Minister passes to Parliament.

              • Roi Semo

                Section 7.2. New Section 7.2B:

                7.2B. Once the right to nominate the First Minister passes to Parliament, any group of 5 members or more may propose a candidate for First Minister. The First Minister will be elected by absolute majority vote. If no First Minister is elected within fourteen days after the passing to Parliament of the right to nominate the First Minister, a plurality of the votes cast will suffice for election subsequently.


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