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| | Tuesday, 17 December, 2002, 07:58 GMT Voter apathy raises concerns  The assembly is not seen as a key body by voters There is growing evidence that voter apathy could result in a low turnout at next spring's Welsh Assembly elections. The Electoral Commission has suggested that voters lack of understanding about the role of the administration and what it is responsible for could have a negative impact at the polling booths. The assembly came into being after the 1999 elections, but the commission's findings show since then the electorate has not grown to understand how the assembly operates or even what its powers are. First Minister Rhodri Morgan and other senior politicians have expressed concern and taken steps to try to educate the public on the importance of the assembly to Wales' future. Earlier this month, young voters were targeted by MPs and the Children's Commission for Wales to find out their views and opinions on politics. The commission's own research shows voters young and old do not look on the Welsh Assembly has being a key political forum. The commission highlights the electorate could also switch off from voting next spring as a result of "unfulfilled expectations as well as general alienation from the political process". Across the UK, though, a similar picture of political disinterest is forming. The report drew its findings from survey data and focus groups, who were chosen from social groups that are least likely to vote.
Crucially, even among the most political aware voters, there is confusion about the body's activities and powers. And research showed the assembly is regarded as being a more administrative body rather than a political institution. The administration is also seen as being unable to carry out its work without first gaining the permission of politicians in Westminster. But the research is also aimed at studying how best to educate voters about the forthcoming elections.
The study found that positive attitudes towards democracy in Wales also exist. Since 1999, there has been growth in support for the Welsh Assembly, with 39% of voters backing a Welsh Parliament, which compares with 19% in 1997. Electoral Commissioner Glyn Mathias said the research shows considerable work needs to be done before the elections in May. 'Educate public' "This study suggests that in Wales it is indifference towards the Assembly and ignorance of it - rather than opposition towards the principle of devolution - that appears to be at the root of low-turnout. "The Electoral Commission will be working hard in Wales over the coming months to inform and educate the public on the purpose and power of their vote. "We want to get the message across that voting is the way of showing how you feel about what's happening in our country," he said. Next year, the commission - which is an independent body - will publish its statutory review of the 2003 Scottish Parliament and Assembly elections.
Tell us your views on voter apathy and the elections. What will make you come out and vote next May? Disclaimer: The BBC will put up as many of your comments as possible but we cannot guarantee that all e-mails will be published. The BBC reserves the right to edit comments that are published. The Assembly spends money on new offices for itself when Welsh hospitals are insufficiently funded and staffed. It is a question of priorities. They should take a bold stance and say that if less than 50% of the population turnout, then they do not have a mandate and that they will return all power to the UK government and local councils. As far as I am concerned they are all a waste of money and do very little to improve issues in Wales. There should be a referendum on the need or otherwise to retain the Assembly. That would galvanise the electorate and both sides would mobilise their voters. The YES for the Assembly won by the smallest of votes. Had they lost they would have kept coming back until they won. Now they tell us that as we have voted for the Assembly we have "moved on". So we have, and everyone can see the cock-up the Assembly is making of "governing " Wales. They are even unable to build a small building. Give us another vote and the masses will come out. Apathy is a worldwide issue. Witness turnout in the States despite close contests and being most powerful country in world. What hope do we have in Wales to reverse this global trend, when few know or understand what the assembly is prdoes?
Not until the Welsh Assembly is 'upgraded' into a proper Parliament, 100% independent of the English government, will most voters realise the significance of the assembly to daily life. Many older voters (and English incomers) find it hard to adjust to the idea that Wales has a 'historical and moral right' to stand up on its own two feet, and thus feel obliged to vote in Westminster elections only. The assembly is a new institution that needs time to develop before it can really engage people. I don't think the public realise how much power the assembly actually has - it sets policy on education, healthcare, transport and economic development. In many areas, the policies in Wales are quite different from those in England. But what we don't have in Wales is a developed political culture that challenges the assembly, highlights what its up to, and what it should or could be doing better. In Westminster there's plenty of organisations and lobbyists doing that kind of thing, which raises the profile of political debate. What we need is the assembly to shout louder about its powers and what its doing, and for more people, groups and organisations in Wales to really challenge it publicly. I feel that the assembly just follows instructions from Westminister and it has not got the guts the people of Wales need to be totally independent from England, as Scotland are. I notice that Rhodri Morgan is now only sticking up for Welsh views since the local elections are around the corner. I myself - and talking to other people of my age (26) - will not be turning up to vote as my council tax in Caerphilly has shot up by nearly 40% and I see no benefits or improvements in the area. It is not that voters do not understand the assembly, it is just that most do not understand the need for another tier of goverment spending our money on things that they do not want, like a new assembly building. As the assembly was elected on a minority vote, ie only 40% voted and then only 40% of that number voted for the assembly, it is there, only to cater for a minority opinion. In north Wales, the population see the assembly as only representing the South, and having no effect on the problems of the North. P.J. Grantham Ise of Anglesey | |   See also: 02 Dec 02 | Wales 28 Feb 02 | Politics 05 Jul 02 | Talking Point 15 May 00 | Politics 04 Jul 02 | Politics 05 Feb 02 | Politics Internet links: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top Wales stories now: Links to more Wales stories are at the foot of the page. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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