Plans to change PCC election system shows 'contempt for democracy'

‘Archaic’ First Past the Post system unfit for modern Wales – Plaid Cymru PCC candidate for North Wales, Ann Griffith

Plaid Cymru North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner candidate, Ann Griffith, has today (17 March) said that the UK Government’s plans to change the voting system for PCC elections show a “contempt for our democracy”. 

Currently for PCC elections, voters number candidates in order of preference. After the first round of counting, ballots of the less successful contenders are redistributed between the two most popular candidates. This aims to ensure that the elected PCCs have a broader range of support, which Ms Griffith said is “vital for an area as sensitive as policing”. 

The UK Government now propose using First Past the Post for PCC elections in Wales and England, a system Ms Griffith describes as “designed to work for the two main UK parties”. 

The change is not expected to impact the upcoming PCC elections on 6 May 2021 but is set to impact the next round of elections. 

Ms Griffith said that Plaid Cymru is “steadfastly committed to proportional representation to give the people of Wales real democratic choices in all elections.” 

Ann Griffith said: 

“The Tory government in Westminster is imposing this change to the electoral system without even consulting the people of Wales, yet again showing their contempt for our democracy. 

"The current system seeks to ensure the candidate with the broadest support is elected, which is vital for an area as sensitive as policing.

"Westminster elections are proof that First Past the Post is not fit for purpose. It is an archaic system that is designed to work for the two main UK parties. Modern Wales has a diverse range of parties and views, which should be reflected in all our elections. 

“Plaid Cymru is steadfastly committed to proportional representation to give the people of Wales real democratic choices in all elections.”