Asylum seekers must be enfranchised say Greens
MSPs could make Scotland a more welcoming place for asylum seekers by backing proposals to extend the voting franchise this afternoon, according to Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell.
Scottish Greens proposals to extend the right to vote to refugees have already been incorporated in the bill and Mr Ruskell, a Mid Scotland and Fife MSP, says his amendments to the bill, extending the franchise to asylum seekers, would ensure that everyone who makes up our communities has a say in who represents them.
Mark Ruskell MSP said:
“Scottish Greens believe that the right to vote should be based on residency rather than citizenship. Everyone aged 16 and over who makes up our communities should have a say in who represents them. I am therefore delighted that proposals we’ve brought forward previously around enfranchising refugees have now been incorporated into the bill. That is a huge step forward.
“My amendments would allow us to go one step further and ensure that asylum seekers are enfranchised. This transformational approach would see everyone who makes up our communities given a say over who represents them. I urge MSPs from across the parties to get behind my amendments and show those seeking sanctuary in Scotland that we truly value their contribution to society.”
Lorna Gledhill, Policy Officer at Scottish Refugee Council said:
“We welcome the extension of voting rights for Scottish elections but we believe everyone in Scotland should have a say in how the country is run – and this includes people seeking refugee protection.
“People seeking protection come to Scotland for safety, to rebuild their lives and find peace for themselves and their children. Like everyone else living here, their lives are affected by decisions made at Holyrood and by local government and, as such, have the right to express their view on how these decisions are made.”
Pinar Aksu, Development Officer, Maryhill Integration Network said:
“Refugees living in Scotland are part of our communities. They are our neighbours, our friends, parents you may meet outside the school gates. They might also be fellow activists, party members and future politicians. They experience the outcomes of policies developed and made in Holyrood and local government.
“This would allow refugees to take part in Scottish politics in their communities and to raise their voices. If this is approved it sends out a strong message to the rest of the world of how you can welcome refugees – by treating them as citizens of the country where they live.”