A second independence referendum could be on the ballot for May’s Holyrood election following an application by the SNP to the Electoral Commission.
The SNP has applied to have two variations of “indyref2” next to the party’s name on voting slips.
First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has backed another referendum in the early part of the next term.
The call was ramped up last week after SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said it could take place this year.
With the Tories making opposition to indyref2 a key part of their electoral strategy, a referendum looks likely to be a dominant issue in next month’s election campaign.
An application to the electoral watchdog shows the SNP has tried to register “Both Votes SNP for IndyRef2” and “Vote SNP for IndyRef2” as ways to describe themselves.
The third description focuses purely on the leader: “Nicola Sturgeon for SNP First Minister.”
In February, the Conservatives applied to register two anti-indyref2 slogans, including “Not Another Referendum, Time For Recovery”.
Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said: “This tells you everything you need to know about Nicola Sturgeon’s priorities. The SNP could have prioritised recovery, health, education or jobs on the ballot paper, but it has chosen division.
“This astonishing decision means that voters will have it in black and white on the ballot paper – the SNP’s only focus is a divisive second referendum.”
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