#SP2021 Voting notes: 1/ Under @nicolasturgeon @thesnp has increased constituency seats from 53 to 59 in 2016 and IF keep all current seats then it will be min 62. That’s 85% of constituencies and unprecedented anywhere in the UK (ever?). And on high voter turnout.
2/ It is more seats than any party has ever won (Labour won 53 in 99 & 46 2003).
3/ The Tories in 2019 won 56% Westminster seats (365). For them to replicate this it would have meant winning another 185 seats. Even on England only basis 108 more. The best result in UK in modern history is Labour winning 418 seats in 1997. That’s 64% (And it was low turnout).
4/ The point about Scotland’s PR system is to then represent overall share for parties more fairly. Because no one wanted to copy Westminster FPTP system. As was said in statement on publication of 1997 White Paper - which is what we voted on in 97 referendum -
5/ “56 additional members...allocated to ensure that the overall result more directly reflects the share of votes cast for each party.” (Donald Dewar).
6/ Scotland has 43% MSPs from regional vote (based on original Euro regions) Wales has 33%. So it’s therefore harder in Scotland to get outright majority than Wales as there is less proportionate stem to share out vote.
7/ In Wales if you win 75% constituencies you win majority, in Scotland you need 89%.
In Wales Labour would have needed to win another 20% Senedd seats (8) this week to replicate SNP (possible) result.
In Wales Labour would have needed to win another 20% Senedd seats (8) this week to replicate SNP (possible) result.
8/ For any party ever to get anything over the high mark of 53 seats in a five party system (for one parl 2003 we had 6) is an outstanding result and has only been done in last three elections.
9/ And this has been done with vast majority of print press that’s not just opposed to @thesnp but actively hostile and still today talking about 'failure', whilst Labour result in Wales and Tories in England 'remarkable'
10) And a UK broadcast media that still show a misunderstanding of Scotland, Scotland politics or how the Parliament vote works.
#SP2021 is showing people are actively showing huge support and trust for @thesnp and wanting a different future.
#SP2021 is showing people are actively showing huge support and trust for @thesnp and wanting a different future.
11/ further now (all but 2) constit seats declared @theSNP likely win 62/73. AND kept 11 seats won in 2016. AND successfully defended 14 seats without incumbent (due to many of the class of 99 & well kent faces standing down). That’s a REMARKABLE achievement for @NicolaSturgeon
12/ I know there has clearly been tactical voting and of course (!) don’t want to see the dozens of academics and polemics who will now talk about that (a lot) to have nothing to say - and call me old fashioned - BUT guess what? ..
13/ 1. There has ALWAYS been tactical voting! 2 Some people actually vote for person and/or cos they think their MSP has been good constituency MSP/ done good job in parliament or council. They don’t have party / constitutional allegiance, they decide based on that! Who knew!
14/ also.. Thank you to all those who voted @SNP. And whilst I want @theSNP to win I feel for those who lose seat (1 constituency rest will be list) and their staff. Its hard job with long hours, (often) long commutes and with LOT out hours work. Thank you for your public service
15/ And finally with all that said. The #SP2021 election is the 4th win in a row for @the SNP and 4/6 in @Scotparl elections. ...
16/ The way that the voting system works (see point 6) for @the SNP this is more than historic. It is outstanding. It is unprecedented. It is an amazing result in UK and Scottish modern politics. Its massive. Time to take note
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