Many ‘confused, frustrated’ with politics inWales
THE LARGEST ever in-depth survey of how people in Wales really feel about politics shows almost 40% are not confident they can really change the way things are run.
More than 800 people across every local authority in Wales took part in the Electoral Reform Society Cymru (ERS) survey as part of their Missing Voices project.
The research found that “confusion” and “frustration” were two common themes, with many raising concerns about the level of information available about what happens in Welsh politics.
Figures from the focus groups found that, while 89% have very high confidence in the “nuts and bolts” of democracy in Wales, such as polling stations, 38% are not confident they “can really change the way things are run”.
Director of ERS Cymru Jess Blair said: “What this survey shows is a real sense of frustration, not just at politicians but at politics in Wales more generally.
“And what this seems to stem from is a total communication breakdown when it comes to our institutions in Wales.
“The public want politicians and our institutions to communicate much more effectively.
“The message we heard loud and clear is that voters outside ‘the bubble’ feel left out in the cold. While Cardiff Bay is a centre of political engagement, you go half a mile down the road and there’s a total feeling of alienation.
“Devolution was meant to bring politics closer to everyone – but there’s a risk without urgent action it becomes stagnated and confined to just a small part of the capital.”
Many of the 807 people surveyed said that a lack of knowledge was a major barrier to engaging with politics.
One participant said: “I’m not as passionate as I should be and I believe that is down to my lack of knowledge.”
Another said: “I’m unsure & confused, therefore uninterested, sadly.”
The research also found that the political climate played a role in many feeling distrustful and frustrated with politics, with responses to the survey and focus groups referencing the expenses scandal, tax evasion and recent allegations of sexual harassment in politics.
A perceived divide between politics and people was also found, with many not feeling represented by elected politicians.
One participant said: “Politicians promise the world and deliver nothing. Very little change.”
ERS Cymru said they will use the findings to launch a programme of work for the next year on how to address the issues raised.
Ms Blair said: “While this report might make difficult reading for some, there are glimmers of hope.
“The challenge is to capture that optimism some are feeling, bringing in those that are currently frustrated, distrustful and confused.
“Now we have a sense of what people across Wales really think beyond the ballot box, institutions and politicians need to start addressing the issues we’ve identified – on political education and communication, and trying to bring more people’s voices into Welsh politics.”