Who Can Stand For Election to the Scottish Parliament?

Anyone can stand for election as an MSP as long as you are over 18 years of age and a citizen of the:

  • United Kingdom
  • Commonwealth
  • Republic of Ireland
  • European Union, resident in the UK

You cannot be an MSP if you:

  • Are an undischarged bankrupt
  • Are in a post paid for by the Crown (e.g. civil servant, police officer)
  • Are serving a jail term of more than 12 months
  • Have been convicted of certain electoral offences