THE UK's elections watchdog has rejected the Alliance For Independence's attempt to register as a political party, saying the name could confuse voters.
The Electoral Commission told the party that their name gave the impression that they were "an alliance of some or all independence supporting parties."
They told AFI: “It was our view that a voter was likely to consider this party to represent parties that it did not who share similar aims surrounding independence … A proposed name cannot be registered if, in our opinion, a voter is likely to be misled as to the effect of their vote.”
The commission also said it was concerned about the AFI’s intention to be led by co-convenors, saying: “Whilst this is not prohibited in itself, your constitution does not set out how a co-convenor can be designated leader … It also does not set out sufficient details about the roles of the co-convenors and if they differ, if at all.”
Dave Thompson, the former SNP MSP and interim leader of the AFI, said these were “technical issues” which could easily be resolved.
“Most of this is easily sorted,” said Thompson “The main positive to take from it is the fact that they have accepted our central proposition and unique selling point that other parties can come under our umbrella.”
Thompson said he had taken up the Electoral Commission’s offer of an early meeting to discuss the registration, but admitted that rejecting the AFI’s proposed name was a bit of a hiccup.
He said: “We are disappointed that the Electoral Commission have rejected our application but this is not unusual for a first time application. Most of the points they have raised are technical and can easily be sorted by minor changes to our constitution.
"We do not agree with the Commission that our name would mislead voters into thinking that we represented all independence supporting parties and will raise this, among other issues, at our meeting, in co-operation with the Commission.”
The aim of AFI is to create a "supermajority" for independence in the Scottish Parliament with a mixture of independent independence supporters and members drawn from the small parties who sign up to the alliance.
They were due to hold a conference in September to elect office bearers.
SNP MSPs have said the party's aim risks damaging the prospects for indyref2.
Michael Russell told the BBC: “I know Dave very well, I’ve worked very well with him.
“I think he’s mistaken in his analysis. I believe that in order to get independence we need a unified movement.
“The SNP is the key part, or a key part, of that movement. I’ve been a member of the SNP now for 40 years and I’m certainly not changing my view.”
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