Edinburgh– Scotland has chosen to remain part of the United Kingdom after a historic independence referendum, with the “No” campaign securing a clear majority. Scottish nationalist leader Alex Salmond conceded defeat as official results confirmed widespread support for maintaining the union.
A Divided Electorate
The hard-fought campaign revealed sharp divisions along demographic lines. Women overwhelmingly favored the union, with 56% backing “No,” according to polls. Analysts suggest uncertainty over independence’s economic impact played a role—only 27% of women felt confident about its consequences, compared to 37% of men.
Young voters, including 16- and 17-year-olds granted voting rights for the first time, largely supported independence. In contrast, older Scots, particularly those over 65, prioritized stability, with pensions and economic security driving their “No” votes.
Class and Geography Shape Votes
Lower-income areas, where ties to the UK are weaker, showed stronger “Yes” sentiment. Meanwhile, middle-class voters, wary of economic risks, leaned toward the union. The “Yes” campaign heavily targeted infrequent voters—dubbed the “missing million”—to boost turnout, which reached a record 97% registration.
Conservative voters, though a small minority in Scotland, overwhelmingly rejected independence. Immigrants, another key group, also leaned toward “No” or abstained.
A Bitter Campaign Ends
The referendum, marked by heated debates over Scotland’s future, has ended with a definitive result. While nationalists vow to continue pushing for self-determination, the UK government faces renewed calls for further devolution.
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