PR for Wales! Wales is overhauling its democracy – here’s what’s changing

From  the conversation.com:-

From 2026, that system (the voting system) will be replaced by a closed list proportional system, using the D'Hondt method. It’s a system which is designed to be fairer, ensuring that the proportion of seats a party wins more closely reflects the votes they get. But it also means voters will have less say over which individuals get elected.

Wales will be divided into 16 constituencies, each electing six MSs. Instead of voting for a single candidate, voters will choose one party or independent candidate.

Parties will submit a list of up to eight candidates per constituency. Seats will then be allocated based on the overall share of the vote each party gets, with candidates elected in the order they appear on their party’s list.

So, a form of PR. It will be interesting to see how that pans out, & if the rotten '1st past the post' system used in Westminster should be changed to this.

This leads me on to one old chestnut of mine, What is better than Parlimentary democracy?

I saw an interesting article recently, the gist of which is that China's "Meritocracy" is beating the west hands down. By promoting skilled & proven beauraucrats to the highest positions, this leads to the greater good of the nation. Apparently to become a politician in China, you have to have a proven 5 year record in a small area, progressing on to a larger fief, then a larger one, until you eventually reach the top level of Government. This record has to focus on the wellbeing of the area for at least 5 years, and even extending out to 10, 20 years into the future. I think this is one for debate @ the next "Grupo libros". I'll put it on the agenda. @David Algar @Robert Matthews