5. Stage 4 of the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Bill

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:28 pm on 9 July 2024.

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Photo of Jane Dodds Jane Dodds Liberal Democrat 4:28, 9 July 2024

I've just got a few words to say, really, because both Peter Fox and Adam Price have covered really key areas here. But I'd like to begin by thanking those involved in this Bill to date, including the Counsel General and officials, Members across the Siambr and the other staff as well.

I welcome the position that we've arrived at. There have been significant negotiations and hard work to get to a place where I think we are moving forward in relation to how we can really make ourselves transparent and accountable. We have to remember that we need to operate with integrity and honesty, and this Bill makes sure that we take steps to reach that. As Adam has said, we do need to improve the health of our democracy here in Wales, and ensure that more people participate. We have gone through a general election where we had the lowest rate of people participating—56 per cent this year, which is actually down from 2019's figure of 67 per cent. That should be a real challenge and a wake-up call to us all here in the Siambr, particularly as we move forward to 2026 and ensuring that we have a really representative Senedd here in Wales.

So, I look forward, finally, to the steps that will be taken, particularly with regard to the introduction of a Bill and legislation to address the issues around deliberate deception. This Bill is an important and necessary step to ensure that Wales is more democratic, freer and fairer. It is one step on a road that I hope is not too long to ensure that we get the democratic Wales we deserve and need. Diolch yn fawr iawn.