Wales takes stock of its democracy and calls for real change

Democratic innovation

©Swansea University

The Innovating Democracy Advisory Group (IDAG) has published its progress report, Towards a Thriving Welsh Democracy. Released on March 17, 2026, a few weeks before the Senedd elections, this report provides a clear assessment of Welsh democracy and a roadmap for necessary changes.

What if truly involving citizens in decision-making became the norm, rather than the exception?

An assessment that rings true

The opening observation is direct: most people of voting age in Welsh elections choose not to vote. Trust in devolved institutions is low. Many citizens feel they have little or no influence over the decisions that affect their lives.

This is not just a Welsh problem; it is a democratic challenge shared across Europe and beyond. However, Wales, with its relatively new devolved institutions, still needs to prove its value and has greater potential for innovation. The report frames this challenge around two fundamental questions:

• How can we ensure that everyone feels like a stakeholder in the democratic system?

• How can we build a genuine and lasting partnership between citizens and institutions?

Going beyond elections

One of the report’s most significant contributions is its emphasis that democratic strengthening does not rely solely on electoral reform. Changing the voting system is helpful, but insufficient.

A functioning democracy requires not only an understanding of how decisions are made, but also that citizens have real opportunities to influence those decisions between elections, and feel their participation truly matters. This is at the core of what deliberative and participatory democracy stands for.

It is encouraging to see the IDAG explicitly call for public involvement in decision-making to become standard practice.

Key Recommendations

The report calls for a shared vision for Welsh democracy, strong political leadership and coordination across institutions, and a long-term national strategy integrating democratic education, citizen engagement, and voter participation. Furthermore, it advocates for a shift in institutional culture. Changing mindsets within the government, the Senedd, and local authorities so that citizen involvement in decisions becomes the norm rather than the exception.

On democratic education, the IDAG highlights significant inequalities in the experiences of young people in Welsh schools. The Curriculum for Wales provides a framework, but its implementation is uneven, resources are distributed unequally, and many young people leave formal education without the knowledge or confidence necessary to participate in democratic life. 

The report’s call for clearer guidance, improved teacher training, and equitable access to experiential learning is both relevant and essential.

Consultation alone is not enough 

The report is clear on this point: informing citizens and collecting their views through ad hoc consultations has value, but rarely gives people real influence. In practice, consultation-style approaches are often used by default because they are simpler to implement. However, they do not provide the public with real power to influence decisions. Real engagement means co-creating solutions, deliberating together, and ensuring that citizens’ contributions actually shape decisions. 

The report also highlights the key role of civil society and grassroots organizations, which are often better positioned than governments to reach those most removed from the democratic system. Supporting these organizations – with sustainable funding, capacity building, and genuine autonomy – is essential.

Beware of poorly designed processes

Regarding a possible statement of constitutional principles for Wales, the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales has made a recommendation. The report rightly urges caution. A participatory process without clear objectives and genuine political commitment can erode trust rather than strengthen it. This is especially important in Wales, where trust in political institutions is already fragile.

The examples of Iceland and Chile are cited, where participatory constitutional processes ultimately failed due to a lack of follow-through by elected representatives. Design and political commitment are as important as the process itself.

Before considering how to involve citizens in such an initiative, we must first clarify why it is necessary and what its concrete impact would be.

Jonathan Moskovic’s contribution

Jonathan was invited to present at one of IDAG’s working sessions in his capacity as Research Lead at the European University Institute and advisor on democratic innovation. His presentation drew on comparative data from across Europe, particularly cases where deliberative methods have been successfully integrated into parliaments and governments, to help the group understand the conditions that make citizen engagement sustainable and effective. 

In particular, he highlighted the importance of permanent deliberative structures that are fully integrated into formal decision-making processes: when this integration exists, participants are certain that their voices have truly carried weight in the political debate, which helps strengthen their trust in democratic institutions. 

The report’s emphasis on this point reflects convictions that practitioners like Jonathan have championed for years through their work with parliaments, governments, and international organizations.

A Moment for Ambition

This report is being released at a pivotal moment, just weeks before the May 2026 Senedd elections. The IDAG sends a clear message to the next Welsh government, regardless of its composition: this agenda cannot wait and must not be treated as a secondary priority.

Wales has the legislative frameworks – notably the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act of 2015 – the civic energy, and the analytical clarity to move forward.

What is needed now is political will and coordinated action among the government, the Senedd, local authorities, and civil society.

We will follow developments with great interest.