The polls have closed and the counting has begun in the Scottish Parliament election. Later today, the results will reveal which party has emerged victorious. Early indications suggest that John Swinney and the SNP will fall short of a majority, potentially opening the door to another coalition with the Greens.
Electoral System and Key Numbers
The rival parties are contesting 70 constituency seats, elected by the first-past-the-post method. Additionally, there are eight electoral regions, each with seven additional MSPs allocated based on a form of proportional representation. In total, 129 parliamentarians are elected to Holyrood. The magic number for a majority is 65, but while that looks unlikely for the SNP, a pro-independence majority could emerge if the SNP and Greens share power once again. Such an outcome would pile more pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the prospect of IndyRef2.
Counting Underway
The count began at 8:03 AM, and by around 7 PM this evening, there should be a clearer picture of how the next Scottish Parliament will shape up. Both Reform and the Greens are hoping to make inroads, and Holyrood could look very different when it reconvenes.
For those tracking results across the UK, live-updating maps and charts are available for the 2026 local elections, which saw millions of Britons head to the polls on May 7 in the biggest test of public opinion since Labour's 'loveless landslide' at the 2024 general election.
Unlike traditional elections, there has been no overnight count, and results have been delayed until today. From 9 AM onwards, things could start getting exciting, though the campaign has been described as lacklustre. Early signs indicate the SNP will not achieve a majority.
