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Wales Senedd to Expand,Revamp Voting System in 2026
Cardiff, Wales – The Senedd, Wales’ Parliament, is poised for a significant conversion in May 2026.Landmark legislation has been passed to increase the number of elected members from 60 to 96 and overhaul the voting system. These changes aim to enhance the effectiveness and democratic accountability of the Senedd,marking a new chapter for Welsh politics.
Why the Senedd is Changing
As its establishment in 1999, the Senedd’s responsibilities have grown substantially, including primary law-making powers over key areas like health, education, and economic advancement. The Wales Act 2014 also granted new financial powers, such as taxation and borrowing. However, the number of members remained fixed, leading to concerns about the Senedd’s capacity to handle its expanded role.
In 2017, an independent expert panel concluded that the Senedd was no longer fit for purpose, citing insufficient members to effectively scrutinize the Welsh government and respond to constituents. The panel recommended a larger chamber to improve lawmaking quality and democratic accountability.
Did You Know? Wales has fewer elected politicians per person than any other UK nation. Even after the expansion, Wales will still have fewer members per citizen compared to Northern Ireland.
Comparing Legislatures
Wales lags behind other UK nations in terms of elected representatives per capita. Scotland has 129 MSPs, while Northern Ireland has 90 MLAs. The expansion aims to address this disparity and bring Wales closer to the representation levels seen in other parts of the UK.
A comparison with small European nations reveals a similar trend. Many smaller countries have a higher ratio of elected officials to citizens than Wales currently does. Increasing the number of Senedd members could ease workloads, improve local representation, and encourage a more diverse pool of candidates.
| Nation | Legislature | Number of Members |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | Scottish Parliament | 129 |
| Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland Assembly |
