MSPs have been warned that ignoring the advice of the Electoral Commission could call the result of the independence referendum into question.
In a submission to Holyrood's new Referendum Bill Committee, constitutional lawyer Alan Trench, of Edinburgh University, said the consequences could be "adverse, profound and long-term".
The elections watchdog is due to advise ministers on referendum rules – including the wording of the question and campaign spending limits – under the terms of the Edinburgh Agreement, which set the format for the vote.
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