One election candidate warned people would be surprised at “the level of bile you get” from faceless accounts on social media.
Abuse aimed at politicians on social media is widespread(Image: Getty Images)
Police Scotland has issued a warning ahead of the Holyrood election amid a surge of online abuse aimed at candidates.
The national constabulary said today it was working to “maximise” the safety of Scots whose names will be appearing on ballot papers in May.
It follows research by the Electoral Commission which found more than half of candidates at the last UK general election in 2024 reported some kind of problem with harassment, intimidation or abuse.
By far the most common form of abuse comes through social media on platforms such as X or Facebook – but 46 per cent of those reporting incidents also said they had been abused while street canvassing.
Two-thirds of female candidates also said they would not campaign on their own out of safety fears.
Kieron Higgins, Scottish Labour candidate for Coatbridge and Chryston, warned online abuse was now so common place that some candidates viewed it as “part of the job”.
He added: “Earlier this week I got a random message on Facebook from a woman, whom I’d never met, saying she was appalled at some of the comments under my posts (on Facebook), and saying it must be really hard for me to go through, but it made her more determined to vote for me.”
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Higgins added: “It will take a toll on people, especially first time candidates who are not used to the cut-and-thrust of politics, and are maybe surprised the level of bile you get from you get from these often faceless accounts.”
The Labour candidate also warned abuse aimed at senior female politicans was “absolutely riddled and laced in misogny, because that’s what the world of social media is like.”
Cahir Hughes, acting head of Electoral Commission Scotland, said: “Abuse and intimidation should not be seen as part of the job for candidates, elected officials or electoral staff. This behaviour is unacceptable and harms democracy.
“Clear principles to help people take part in respectful campaigning are available, and we would encourage all parties and candidates to engage with the safety resources and briefings provided by Police Scotland.
“We will also continue to speak out against online harassment and threats directed at those taking part in elections and have made recommendations to social media companies to strengthen their response to abusive content.”
Chief Superintendent Neil MacDougall said: “Advice and briefings are being provided by Police Scotland to maximise the safety of candidates, minimise any risk of disruption and ensure a peaceful democratic process. All reports of criminality will be subject to an investigation.
“We continue to work with partners, including the Electoral Commission, and will liaise closely with local authority returning officers across Scotland regarding security at polling places.”
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