Materials regarding internal handling of Edinburgh and Lothians East MSP's parliamentary candidacy: FOI release
Information request and response under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.
Information requested
Copies of all briefings, emails, meeting notes or advice prepared for ministers or senior officials between 1 July 2024 and 31 May 2026 concerning the eligibility or selection of Dr Q Manivannan (or any candidate on a temporary/student visa) as a candidate or elected MSP under the new rules introduced by the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Act 2025. Please exclude any personal data.
Response
The Scottish Government plays no role in the candidate nomination process or in gathering information about candidates. Returning officers are responsible for handling candidate nominations and the overall running of elections in their area. The Scottish Government would not, as a matter of routine, hold information in relation to the eligibility or selection of a specific candidate for elected office.
Please note that the expansion of candidacy rights to persons with limited leave to remain took effect on 1 August 2025.
Some materials you have requested can be located at Annex A of this document.
Exemptions under S30b(i) and S36(1) have been applied to some of the materials. The reason for these exemptions is explained in Annex B of this document.
About FOI
The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.
Contact
Please quote the FOI reference
Central Correspondence Unit
Email: contactus@gov.scot
Phone: 0300 244 4000
The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG