As I sit in the Kilderkin Pub in the shadow of the Scottish Parliament Building on the day of the announcement of the result of the referendum, I can reflect on my experiences over the past few days as an International Observer. I’ve initiated many pub chats, engaged in dialogues with Scottish and American former counsels, attended a student rally, visited fourteen polling places between Glasgow and Edinburgh, and observed closely the handling and counting of ballots.
In my experience, the “yes” campaigners have been generally optimistic, articulate, and enthusiastic. “No” campaigners have been experienced, thoughtful, and determined. All have cared deeply about Scotland and this was reflected in the extraordinary turnout rate of 84.6%.
Once again, the Scots have instructed the world about the power, the practice, and the impact of democratic government. Since the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath, Scots have insisted on participatory, representational, and accountable government. This referendum was the result of a growing distance between the Scots and a government based in Westminster – not a distance of miles but values. The generally conservative UK Parliament has been distrusted by the generally liberal Scottish residents.
Combining persuasion and pragmatism, Scots secured the right to hold a binding referendum, negotiated the terms, and detailed the procedures to assure a free, open, and credible vote. The process has been meticulously organized and executed — and completely transparent.
The impact of the result of the referendum should resonate throughout the world, not just with the people of Catalonia and Quebec but with the more established democracies such as the United States. The lessons learned are that a central government must be accountable and responsive to the diverse communities within their borders and that a minority people can affect change without destroying the mutual need for support and protection in an often dangerous world. The Scottish model of increased devolution can be replicated and can benefit Northern Ireland, Wales, England — and other ethnic communities within larger nations.
United States residents should be schooled on the generally civilized level of disagreement and debate at all levels, the power and impact of negotiation and compromise, the balance of technology and openness in the election and balloting process, and, most importantly, on the precious right and responsibility to vote.
Just as the “shot heard around the world” in the American war for independence was delivered by a Scottish-made pistol, so is the Scottish Independence Referendum the vote heard around the world for democratic accountability and reform. The question is, who will listen? And who will act?
I challenge you to do both.
Yours aye,
Bart Forbes
(Bart Forbes was an International Referendum Observer with ISCA-AIDC in Scotland for the Independence Referendum)