Manifesto for democracy: A Stronger SeneddThe Senedd looks very different to when it was first conceived in 1999. Ongoing devolution has meant more powers are held in Cardiff Bay – including primary law-making powers and tax-varying powers that create a...Posted 23 Oct 2020
ERS Cymru’s 2021 Manifesto for DemocracyIn just over six short months voters in Wales will head to the polls for the Senedd elections. This election will be different in many ways, with many alternative measures expected to be in place...Posted 22 Oct 2020
Parties have become even more secretive about their online campaigningOpenness and transparency are the key foundations of any democracy. But today we find too much of our politics is shrouded in secrecy. Too often voters remain unsure about who is behind the messages they...Posted 29 Sep 2020
Wales’ Parliament has long been under-resourced – it’s time to change thatWith just 60 elected members, Wales’ Parliament has long been under-resourced. But that problem has grown as Wales acquired more responsibilities – without the representatives needed to properly scrutinise legislation. Changes to the size of...Posted 11 Sep 2020
Political parties – what are your plans to make a more diverse Senedd?On first glance, the Senedd might appear relatively diverse for a political institution in the UK. It made headlines in 2003 when it became the first legislative body in the world to have 50% women....Posted 17 Aug 2020
The campaign for a fairer franchise just secured a major victory16 and 17 year olds in Wales have officially secured the right to vote for Senedd elections, after a crucial piece of legislation received Royal Assent on Wednesday. 16 and 17 year olds in Wales...Posted 15 Jan 2020
200 years since the Peterloo Massacre, Westminster is still brokenThe events of 2019 have put the problems of Westminster’s system into sharp focus. From discussions about the Prime Minister proroguing parliament, to MPs leaving main parties to form their own (only to splinter within...Posted 16 Aug 2019
Building a stronger Senedd: Why size (still) mattersAlmost since its inception, there has been discussion and debate about a larger National Assembly here in Wales. Most recently, an expert panel on Assembly reform led by Professor Laura McAllister stated simply that the...Posted 19 Jul 2019
Legislation introduced to extend the right to vote to 16 and 17 year olds in WalesDevolution to Wales has meant that we do a number of things differently from other parts of the UK. From having distinct policies around tuition fees for Welsh students heading to university, to bringing forward...Posted 12 Feb 2019
The future of Welsh democracy? Interviews with Welsh leadership candidatesIn just a few week’s time Wales will have its next First Minister in place, with a three way race currently being fought by Mark Drakeford, Vaughan Gething and Eluned Morgan. In all the coverage...Posted 20 Nov 2018