SCECLB208 Individual

Senedd Cymru | Welsh Parliament

Y Pwyllgor Biliau Diwygio | Reform Bill Committee

Bil Senedd Cymru (Rhestrau Ymgeiswyr Etholiadol)| Senedd Cymru (Electoral Candidate Lists) Bill

Ymateb gan Unigolyn  | Evidence from Individual

What are your views on the general principles of the Bill and the need for legislation to deliver the Welsh Government’s stated policy objective (to make the Senedd a more effective legislature by ensuring it is broadly representative of the gender make-up of the population)?

I would prefer to vote for a person with the relevant skills for the job.

What are your views on the system of enforcement and potential sanctions for non-compliance proposed in the Bill?

I believe this would be a waste of resources. As stated, the candidates should be chosen on relevant skills and experience.  If the gender issue is of such importance will the Senedd look at the current elected MS’s and stand down members in order to balance gender quotas?

If there are to be equality lists drawn up it should not be on gender but on biological sex.

Are there any potential barriers to the implementation of the Bill’s provisions? If so, what are they, and are they adequately taken into account in the Bill and the accompanying Explanatory Memorandum and Regulatory Impact Assessment?

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Yes, people will not vote.

What are your views on the Welsh Government’s assessment of the financial and other impacts of the Bill?

The findings of the commission set up to explore these changes, recommended that the closed list system would be the worst outcome.  A closed system would remove the link between the elector and the elected.

Personally I would not take part in any vote where I did not know which candidate I was voting for.

What are your views on the balance between the information contained on the face of the Bill and what is left to subordinate legislation? Are the powers for Welsh Ministers to make subordinate legislation appropriate?

The bill needs to be clear about all aspects of the changes so that the population know exactly what is being proposed.

Do you have any views on matters relating to the legislative competence of the Senedd including compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights?

Do you have any views on matters related to the quality of the legislation, or to the constitutional or other implications of the Bill?

The Senedd does not have the legal authority to impose gender weighed lists.  Any action to impose the gender lists will incur legal cost on the Welsh taxpayers.  The speaker of the Senedd has already made this clear.

Are there any other issues that you would like to raise about the Bill and the accompanying Explanatory Memorandum or any related matters?

Anything else?

The proposed changes will reduce the democratic mandate of the Senedd and will likely reduce turnout.  The people of Wales are entitled to have fair and democratic elections that don’t lock out smaller parties or independents.