30 Jun 2009
In her first public speech, to the Constitution Unit at University College London this Tuesday, the new Chair of the Electoral Commission, Jenny Watson, acknowledged the effect the last few months have had on confidence in democracy and called on everyone involved in elections to work to support democracy and ensure the needs of voters come first.
“I think too many of us forget who, exactly, elections are there to benefit. We forget that they’re not aimed at helping governments, or parties, or individual candidates. They’re there for voters. To give them a voice.”
Addressing the Constitution Unit audience, Jenny explained the critical role the Electoral Commission has in re-building public confidence, especially surrounding money in politics, recognising that “voters need to be confident that parties are funded transparently , that the money they use to campaign is raised within the rules.”
Reflecting on the recent June elections, Jenny Watson identified some of the problems that arose in certain areas, including with ballot papers and maps giving the wrong location of polling stations, as well as difficulties with managing outsourced services. She made clear that as much as possible should be done now to prevent the same problems arising at the forthcoming general election.
“To get the best experience for voters, we need to learn from the past, and look to see what logistical problems we can pre-empt each time afresh. Not just do what we did last time. The first step is to see what lessons there are from this year’s European and English County Council elections. We will have more to say on this in the autumn when we publish our formal report on the European and County Council elections.”
The Electoral Commission will continue to work closely with electoral administrators over the coming months to identify and address any problems.
Dr Meg Russell, Reader in British and Comparative Politics at The Constitution Unit, said; “As the UK’s leading body on constitutional change, the Constitution Unit are pleased to be welcoming the Electoral Commission to add their perspective to the timely and vital debate of how we rebuild public confidence in the political process.”
/ends
For further information contact:
The Electoral Commission press office on 0207 271 0704 (Out of office hours 07789 920414)
Email press@electoralcommission.org.uk
Notes to editors:
1. The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament. Our aim is integrity and public confidence in the UK’s democratic process. We regulate party and election finance and set standards for well-run elections.
2. A full copy of the speech will be available on our website
3. A biography of Jenny Watson is also available on our website
4. Jenny Watson was appointed as Chair of the Electoral Commission in January 2009 following an open competition carried out by an independent panel and consultation with the leaders of political parties at Westminster.
5. The chair of the Commission is appointed by HM The Queen following an Address from the House of Commons.
