“Democracy is dead” claim as just 26 show up to election hustings

The new Welsh Government election system has been criticised by Montgomeryshire’s former MP as the reason why voters appear to be apathetic towards the May 7 Senedd elections, after just 26 people turned up for last night’s hustings at Welshpool Town Hall.

Candidates from the main parties took it in turns to make their case, but one of those in the sparse audience, former MP Glyn Davies, said it “must have been very depressing to be a candidate tonight” on his social media post adding that “democracy is dead” based on the showing.

Followers reminisced about times when “the crowd filled not only the main hall but the landing and up the stairs to the gents’ toilet”.

But that wasn’t the case last night with the husting playing a very poor second fiddle to the Wales FIFA World Cup qualifier on the same evening.

Others said that the new system, where we get to vote for a party instead of an individual candidate, was proving confusing with those to be elected based on the share that party receives.

This was the full post under the above picture from Mr Davies stated: “Attended first hustings meeting leading up to the Senedd elections in May in Dwyfor Maldwyn tonight. My opinion is that it’s a truly appalling election system. There were just 20 attendees - hardly qualifying as a ‘public meeting’ or ‘hustings’ meeting!

“Been to a few ‘hustings’ meeting at the Welshpool Town Hall over the years - often with over 200 in the audience. Again, my personal view but I think democracy is dead in future Senedd elections. Must have been very depressing to be a candidate tonight.”

Welshpool Town Council organised the event, and this morning Town Clerk Richard Williams agreed that there seemed to be a general public apathy, but added that the event was live streamed on Facebook.

The Senedd election takes place on May 7. MyWelshpool will be launching a series called MyVote Matters in April where we will try to help you make your decision through a series of party interviews, and explain the new process along the way!