Petition · past parliament
Official observers from OSCE ODIHR to monitor the next Scottish referendum.
Closed
11,138 signatures
What the petition asks
A Scottish Independence referendum determines the relationship between two potentially separate states. The official body for monitoring democratic procedures within the OSCE is its Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. Monitoring includes media balance and ballot conduct
Only a current state member of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe can request an official observer mission. Competence therefore lies at Westminster not Holyrood.
This petition witnesses public concern at the fairness of postal ballot conduct of a future Scottish Independence referendum and especially that broadcast media are biased.
ODIHR send an advance team weeks or months ahead to monitor media balance.
If there are no problems, why not get ODIHR confirmation?
This petition witnesses public concern at the fairness of postal ballot conduct of a future Scottish Independence referendum and especially that broadcast media are biased.
ODIHR send an advance team weeks or months ahead to monitor media balance.
If there are no problems, why not get ODIHR confirmation?
Government response · 16 October 2019
In 2014 people in Scotland voted decisively to remain part of the United Kingdom. The UK Government is committed to upholding and respecting the result of the 2014 referendum.
Scotland had an independence referendum in 2014. It was legal, fair and decisive and people in Scotland voted by a significant margin to remain part of the UK. The UK Government is committed to upholding and respecting the result of the 2014 referendum.
The UK Government welcomes observers – either from within the UK or from overseas – who wish to observe electoral process. It is open to any individual or organisation to apply to the Electoral Commission for accreditation to be an observer at UK elections. The functions of the Electoral Commission in relation to Scottish Parliament and Scottish local elections are generally for the Scottish Parliament to determine.
Scotland Office
The UK Government welcomes observers – either from within the UK or from overseas – who wish to observe electoral process. It is open to any individual or organisation to apply to the Electoral Commission for accreditation to be an observer at UK elections. The functions of the Electoral Commission in relation to Scottish Parliament and Scottish local elections are generally for the Scottish Parliament to determine.
Scotland Office
Timeline
| 28 Aug 2019 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 25 Sep 2019 | Passed 10,000 signatures, requiring a government response |
| 16 Oct 2019 | Government responded |
| 6 Nov 2019 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
11,138
Status
Closed
Opened
28 Aug 2019
Closed
6 Nov 2019
Response
16 Oct 2019
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.