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09/11/2012
Scottish Referendum Question Confirmed
The exact wording of the Scottish independence question has been announced.
The Scottish government has confirmed what question will be put before the people of Scotland when they are asked to vote on the independence referendum.
The question will be "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?", the answer to which can be "yes" or "no".
The Electoral Commission watchdog will now scrutinise the question.
Critics argue the question is leading, because it does not mention an end to the union.
The preferred wording for the question was announced by the SNP in January.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has asked the Electoral Commission to test the Scottish government's wording. When confirmed, it will be included in a bill at the Scottish parliament next year.
"The question will be tested to check that it is easy to understand, to the point and unambiguous,” she said.
"The Electoral Commission are experts in question testing and will use focus groups and gather views from experts in accessibility and plain language, and others who have an interest in the referendum and its outcome, before reporting on the proposed question.
"Once they have reported back, it will then be for the Scottish parliament to decide the final wording of the question on the ballot paper."
SNP opponents have claimed the option’s to the question’s answer should be "I agree" and "I disagree".
(IT/GK)
The Scottish government has confirmed what question will be put before the people of Scotland when they are asked to vote on the independence referendum.
The question will be "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?", the answer to which can be "yes" or "no".
The Electoral Commission watchdog will now scrutinise the question.
Critics argue the question is leading, because it does not mention an end to the union.
The preferred wording for the question was announced by the SNP in January.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has asked the Electoral Commission to test the Scottish government's wording. When confirmed, it will be included in a bill at the Scottish parliament next year.
"The question will be tested to check that it is easy to understand, to the point and unambiguous,” she said.
"The Electoral Commission are experts in question testing and will use focus groups and gather views from experts in accessibility and plain language, and others who have an interest in the referendum and its outcome, before reporting on the proposed question.
"Once they have reported back, it will then be for the Scottish parliament to decide the final wording of the question on the ballot paper."
SNP opponents have claimed the option’s to the question’s answer should be "I agree" and "I disagree".
(IT/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
