Political journalist, BBC Wales News
“Politics do not work for many people” in Wales, according to the president of a group responsible for improving democracy.
Dr. Anwen Elias, from Aberystwyth University, leads a team, looking at how more people can get involved in politics at all levels.
The group, which was commissioned by the Welsh government, should report before the next Seedd elections in 2026.
Dr. Elias said: “The challenges we face in Wales are not specific to Wales.”
26 years ago this week ago that Wales elected what was then the Welsh assembly for the first time.
But less than half of the residents of Wales, 46%, turned out to vote.
This collapsed at only 38% four years later, and there have never been any assembly or Seedd elections where more than half of the eligible people voted.
The figures for the elections in Westminster were higher than for the Seedd, but only 56% of the people proved to be in the general elections of last year.
Following Professor Laura McAlister and Lord Williams’ Report in the constitutional future of WalesA panel has now been trained to look at what can be done to relaunch democracy in Wales.
Beyond the participation rate, the group will also see how people can be encouraged to participate in politics at all levels, from Seedd to municipal councils.
Dr. Elias said that “there are many complex reasons” for the recent drop in interest.
“I think there is a perception that politics does not work for many people,” she said.
“They don’t feel that politicians understand or hear them.
“Life is difficult, the cost of living crisis, access to public services, and therefore there is a feeling that” what is democracy for us? “”
“So I think that the challenge is complex, and part of our role is to understand this, but also to think differently about how we can take up this challenge.”
The work is supervised by the deputy of Prime Minister Huw Irranca-Davies.
“We are a relatively small but very dynamic nation that can think differently about these things,” he said.
“There is therefore the challenge for this group, but the opportunity is also to strengthen this connection, less polarization, a more significant and frankly commitment, citizens of Wales of all ages of all diversity who think they have a role to play to influence all around them and their communities.”
He added: “I think politicians, when elected to the electoral cycle, must present a program for the government, then continue and deliver it … and then we have to tell people that we have also done things, and this is absolutely part.”
The group plans to present itself before the Seedd elections next May, with the hope that it is in time that political parties take into account what it recommend.