Petition for Scottish change after election of "transgender immigrant MSP" hits 3,800 signatures
- Rory Cassidy
- May 16
- 3 min read
A petition to change Scotland's electoral rules following the appointment of new MSP Dr Q Manivannan has hit more than 3,800 signatures.
The list was launched after the Scottish Greens representative was unveiled as an MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East.
The self-described "transgender immigrant" - who is originally from the Tamil Nadu state of India - is in Scotland on a student visa.
The petition - which you can see here - states: "The recent election of MSP Q Manivannan has sparked a vital public debate regarding the eligibility of individuals with temporary immigration status, such as those holding student visas, to stand for election in the Scottish Parliament or other public offices.
"It is essential that the Scottish Parliament takes into consideration the long-term implications of allowing individuals who are on temporary student visas to hold positions of public trust and authority.
"Current electoral eligibility rules in Scotland do not specifically address or restrict candidacy based on the immigration status of the individuals, which can lead to circumstances where those with temporary ties to the community might influence decisions that have enduring impacts on the public.
"An amendment to the electoral rules is necessary to ensure that those standing for election are individuals who have a permanent stake in the community they wish to serve.
"Individuals holding temporary student visas are, by definition, in Scotland on a short-term basis and may lack the long-term attachment and commitment to the community that is vital for impactful governance.
"Moreover, ensuring that candidates have a permanent residency aligns with the principles of democratic representation, where elected officials ideally reflect the will and ongoing needs of the populace. Establishing clear guidelines on eligibility helps maintain public confidence in the electoral process and the leaders that arise from it.
"We call upon the Scottish Parliament to review and amend the current electoral eligibility criteria to stipulate that only those with permanent residency status can stand for election in the Scottish Parliament and other elected public offices within Scotland.
"This change is not about excluding talents but about protecting the integrity of Scottish governance and ensuring that decision-makers have a continuous and long-standing connection with the community they represent.
"Sign this petition to urge the Scottish Parliament to take action towards safeguarding the democratic framework of our nation by reconsidering electoral eligibility rules."
Speaking after being elected, Dr Manivannan said: "My name is Dr Q Manivannan, I am a transgender Tamil immigrant."
A post on the doctor's Instagram account on Monday said there had been "invasive" attention in regards to my immigration status, including misinformation".
It added: "I am proud of my heritage and who I am. I am also proud to be a voice for all my constituents, including migrants and people on visas who are often shut out of our national debate.
"I have been awarded and recognised for my local work in arts and culture, academia, and human rights in Scotland - serving our people during my time here. Scotland is home, in every way.
"The Scottish Greens want to build a fair and humane system that treats people with dignity and respect rather than the current Home Office system that is costly, difficult, and often dehumanising.
"With my election, I seek to represent that goal in Holyrood.
"In the meantime, I hope poverty, housing, social care, and tax reform in Scotland can occupy as much attention as my gender and immigration status."
Any nation who allows people from other nations to run their country, by entering their political system. Is only asking for trouble. These situations will at some point cause conflict of interest. You should have your own country as a priority every time. And that is why all MPs must be Scottish/British.