SCECLB213 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 feel that the current levels of gender representation are roughly equal between male and female, and as this has been achieved organically, there is no need to enforce any new rules to force candidates on gender.  I firmly believe that the best person for the job should be elected.

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

I think that the system of enforcement is unnecessary.  There is a real risk that should this policy be enacted it would lead to decent male candidates not standing for election.  This feels like a misandrist policy, and I don't think that the proposed NNCO should have the power to seize control of Party lists and make changes.

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?

Men are going to feel much less incentivised to stand in elections.  This kind of identity politics is unhealthy, especially when you consider that the Senedd is already fairly rqual in terms of gender.

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

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?

Absolutely not.  They should be removed.

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?

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

This is a misandrist and anti-democratic policy.  The proposed introduction of closed lists is not good for voters, and will further entrench the 'tribal' attitudes of voters, rather than giving them the ability to speak to an individual candidate, or receive literature from them, and make up their mind on who to vote for.  I have voted for different parties in the past based purely upon the promises and statements made by individual candidates, but with no mechanism to vote for specific candidates in the future I imagine that myself and many other voters may revert to voting based purely upon party lines.

Anything else?

This entire policy feels like an unnecessary waste of time (and possibly money).  As with other Welsh Government consultations, I imagine that the decisions have already been made and that this consultation is merely an exercise in giving the appearance of listening to voters, however I appreciate the opportunity to leave feedback.