The Scottish National Party will seek a new independence referendum if it wins a majority of seats in next Thursday's Scottish Parliament election.
This move signals a return to the party's core constitutional goal after years of political deadlock. A successful push for a new vote would challenge the current union between Scotland and the United Kingdom.
Stephen Flynn, the SNP Westminster leader, said that securing a majority would provide the opportunity for a "fresh start with independence."
Flynn said that if the party breaks the electoral system in Scotland once again and secures that majority, it would deliver the mandate needed for a new referendum. This goal comes as the party looks to regain the momentum lost since the 2014 referendum, where 55% voted no and 45% voted yes [1].
Other party figures have echoed this sentiment. John Swinney said that next week's election is an opportunity for Scots to have a "fresh start" with independence. Zack Polanski said it would be "outrageous and undemocratic" not to hold a referendum if a pro-independence majority is elected.
However, the party's path to a majority is not certain. While the SNP is campaigning on this mandate, some analysts suggest the party is less popular than in previous cycles and may fall short of a majority once again.
The outcome of next Thursday's vote will determine whether the SNP has the political leverage to force the UK government to negotiate the terms of a new vote.
“"If next Thursday we break the electoral system in Scotland once again, we secure that majority..."”
The SNP is attempting to link electoral success directly to a constitutional mandate. By framing a majority win as a democratic requirement for a referendum, the party aims to bypass the UK government's historical refusal to grant a second vote, though their ability to do so depends entirely on the final seat count next Thursday.
