Scottish independence: MSPs to pass Scots referendum bill

By Andrew BlackPolitical reporter, BBC Scotland

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Legislation to hold the Scottish independence referendum is expected to pass its final parliamentary stage at Holyrood later.

MSPs will debate the content of the bill before a final vote, which is likely to see it passed by MSPs.On 18 September 2014, voters will be asked the yes/no question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"The SNP government's bill sets out the referendum rules, such as the question and campaign spending limits.

It comes less than two weeks before the Scottish government publishes its detailed case for independence, in the form of a White Paper, on 26 November.

Arrangements for holding the referendum itself have already been negotiated and agreed in advance between the Scottish and UK governments, under the terms of the Edinburgh Agreement, signed by Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond and UK Prime Minister David Cameron.

But they are required to be turned into a law by the Scottish Parliament.

The Referendum Bill also ensures that:

• The referendum itself is preceded by a 16-week formal campaign period, during which limits will apply to the amount of money registered campaigners can spend, to ensure a level playing field for both sides of the debate.

• The vote is overseen by the independent Electoral Commission watchdog, which is responsible for regulating campaign rules and informing the public about the referendum.

• The ballot is conducted under the direction of a "chief counting officer", who will be responsible for appointing local counting officers.

The UK government agreed to give temporary powers to Holyrood to hold a legal referendum, under Section 30 of the 1998 Scotland Act - the piece of legislation which set up the Scottish Parliament.

This is because constitutional matters are reserved to Westminster.

Separate legislation allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in the referendum has already been passed by MSPs.