Wales needs a say on its democratic future

Published: Thursday, February 7th 2008

Votes at 16 a breakthrough for Wales

The Electoral Reform Society has congratulated the Welsh Assembly following a resounding vote in favour of votes at 16.

The vote, passed by 44 to 4, with 3 abstentions, is not binding. The Welsh Assembly currently does not have the power to change any aspect of its electoral systems.

Since devolution two Commissions have ruled in favour of new PR elections for both local and assembly elections. These conclusions have not been taken up at Westminster.

Unlike The Scottish Parliament, the Assembly has no powers to change even the means of electing its local government.

Ken Ritchie, Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society said:

“I would like to offer my congratulations to the vast majority of the Assembly who have recognised that 16 years olds have a voice and role to play in Wales which they have long been denied.

“Members from all parties have sent a clear message to Westminster. If the Welsh Assembly is going to be taken seriously as a full blooded democracy it must have the power to decide how and who should cast votes in its elections.

“We urge all AMs to embrace this opportunity.”

Notes to editors

1.    The Society’s full report on the last welsh assembly election is available for download in English and Welsh

2.    In 2002 the Commission on Local Government Electoral Arrangements in Wales, (The Sunderland Commission) recommended that the single transferable vote (STV) be used for local government elections in Wales. In 2004 the Commission on the Powers and Electoral Arrangements of the National Assembly for Wales (The Richard Commission) recommended that STV be used to elect the Welsh Assembly.


Contacts

Contact the Society’s press office on 020 79281622

The Society’s Chief Executive Ken Ritchie is available on 07754 165551