A new progress report from an Advisory Group set up by the Welsh Government says Wales needs to think bigger about democracy. Not just who votes every few years, but whether people actually understand how power works, feel represented, and have real opportunities to shape decisions in between elections. Its vision is simple enough: a Wales where people know their rights, know who speaks for them, and feel democracy makes a difference to their lives.
The report is pretty blunt about the problem. Trust is low, too many people feel that politics does not improve their lives, and there has been too much focus on turnout alone. The argument is that democracy will only get stronger if Wales properly integrates three things: elections, democratic education, and meaningful public involvement in decision-making.
That means stronger leadership from the top. The group, chaired by Dr Anwen Elias, co-director at the Centre For Welsh Politics and Society at Aberystwyth University and included former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood, democratic engagement expert Yvonne Murphy amongst its members, advocates for clearer ministerial responsibility for Welsh democracy, a long-term national strategy, and a culture change across government and public bodies, so involving people becomes normal, not an afterthought. It also wants the Senedd and local authorities to play a much bigger role in building that culture.
Education is a major theme. The report says young people should leave school with the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience needed to participate in democracy. Currently, provision is patchy, teacher confidence varies, and too many opportunities depend on geography, resources, or who happens to be driving it locally.
It also says the problem does not end when people leave school. Basic information about how Welsh democracy works is still too hard to find, and Wales’s weak media landscape makes that worse. Too many people are relying on UK coverage that often explains Welsh politics badly or through an English lens. The report calls for better, clearer year-round information and more support for trusted community-based ways to help people understand and take part.
There is also a note of caution on constitutional grand plans. The group says Wales should not rush into drafting a formal statement of constitutional principles unless there is a much clearer agreement on what it is for and whether there is cross-party backing to make it meaningful.
The overall message is that Welsh democracy needs a step change. More ambition. More public involvement. Better education. Better information. And less pretending that democracy begins and ends with putting a cross in a box every few years.
You can read the full report here.