Order, order!

Following the end of the period of nominations for the position of First Minister, we now move to the next part of the process - a debate between the candidates for the position. The following candidates have been duly nominated for the position of First Minister of Scotland:

• /u/LightningMinion MSP (Scottish Labour Party, Kirkcaldy)

• /u/model-avtron MSP (Scottish National Party, Na h-Eileanan an Iar)

• /u/Muffin5136 MSP (Independence Now!, Caithness, Sutherland and Ross)

The ballot for First Minister will also include the option to re-open nominations.

This debate will conclude at the close of business on the 14th of January 2024 at 10pm GMT, and voting for First Minister will begin the following day.

In this debate, members of the public, members of the Parliament, and the candidates themselves may question the candidates for First Minister. Candidates should be given the opportunity to respond to questions specifically asked to them prior to other contributions on the question.

Oaths

Each candidate for First Minister must take the official oath for the position, as prescribed in the Promissory Oaths Act 1868.

I, [name], do swear that I will well and truly serve His Majesty King Charles in the office of First Minister. So help me God.

Alternatively, a candidate may make a solemn affirmation as follows:

I, [name], do solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm that I will well and truly serve His Majesty King Charles in the office of First Minister.

This oath or affirmation must be made in response to this post.

Election Process

Following the debate, we will move to a vote on the First Minister. This vote shall be conducted using Instant Runoff Voting, with the threshold for election being an absolute majority of the Parliament - 65 votes.

If the Parliament fails to elect a First Minister, the Parliament may be dissolved for an extraordinary election, per the discretion of the Speaker of the Devolved Assemblies.

No initial questions may be asked after 10pm GMT on the 13th of January 2024.

This debate will close at 10pm GMT on the 14th of January 2024.