Why the next Senedd could be the least representative of women ever The Senedd hit the headlines back in 2003 when it became the first legislature in the world to reach 50:50 gender parity between men and women. It was a proud moment for our country and... Posted 08 Apr 2025
In discussion with Plaid Cymru leader Rhun Ap Iorwerth MS: Threats, Challenges and Opportunities for Welsh Democracy Last weekend, Plaid Cymru members gathered in Llandudno for their Spring Conference as they begin to set their sights on the 2026 Senedd election. As part of the event, ERS Cymru Director, Jess Blair, hosted... Posted 27 Mar 2025
We called for a one stop shop for election information – it’s now coming to Wales On Tuesday, the Senedd approved regulations establishing the Welsh Voter Information Platform, as required by Section 26 of the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024. This platform will centralise election-related information, making it easier... Posted 13 Mar 2025
Listen to our conversation with Mark Drakeford MS on Welsh democracy Back at Welsh Labour party conference in November, ERS Cymru hosted an ‘in conversation’ with Mark Drakeford MS where he reflected on the past, the present and the future of Welsh democracy. In a wide... Posted 16 Jan 2025
Big changes to Welsh Police and Crime Commissioner elections Today, voters across Wales will have to show ID to vote for the first time as they head to the polls to elect four Police and Crime Commissioners, covering North Wales, Dyfed Powys, Gwent and... Posted 02 May 2024
Constitutional Commission on the Future of Wales’s report is a welcome contribution Last Friday, after two years of work, the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales presented its final report at the Senedd. It recognises the urgent need to improve Welsh democracy and we welcome... Posted 25 Jan 2024
Powys and Gwynedd lead the way for Welsh councils with consultation votes There was fantastic news for voters coming out of Powys and Gwynedd today, as their County Councils have voted YES to public consultations on scrapping First Past the Post for their elections and bringing in... Posted 07 Dec 2023
One year to win local proportional representation in Wales A year from today, November 15, 2024, is the last day before the next election where your councillors can decide to bring local democracy into the 21st century. I am talking about how councillors are... Posted 15 Nov 2023
Early indications suggest Welsh voting pilots went well In May’s local elections, four areas in Wales trialled a different way of voting – allowing people to cast their vote before election day. As well as polling stations being open on the Thursday 5... Posted 05 Aug 2022
Could a citizens’ assembly help set out a post-pandemic recovery plan for Wales? ERS Cymru has advocated for the use of deliberative democracy and citizens’ assemblies for many years. But it’s an idea that has renewed importance when it comes to the Covid pandemic. Posted 09 Jul 2020