No place for candidate intimidation or abuse at Senedd election

The Electoral Commission is calling for the Senedd election on 7 May to be free of abuse and for parties, campaigners and voters to take part in debate respectfully.  

Candidate abuse and intimidation remains a serious problem across Wales and the UK. The Commission’s research with candidates at the 2022 local elections in Wales, found that 48% of respondents experienced threats, abuse and intimidation. Just over half of candidates surveyed following the 2024 UK general election said they were abused or intimidated during the election campaign, with women and ethnic minorities particularly targeted.

As the election approaches, the Commission is working with the police to tackle electoral abuse and intimidation, encouraging all forces to treat allegations seriously and consistently. The four Welsh police forces have assigned senior single points of contact for candidate security and will provide security briefings in the run up to the election. Candidates will be directed to the UK Government’s guidance about how they can improve their security and when to contact the police. The Commission is also supporting electoral administrators to ensure the safe and effective delivery of the election, including through providing guidance on their powers at polling stations and the count, so everyone can participate freely and without intimidation.

The Commission has also published a set of principles for a code of conduct to guide campaigning, with a focus on maintaining respect, safety and honesty during robust debate. Created in response to recommendations made by the Speaker’s Conference on the security of MPs, candidates and elections, the principles build on common themes across parties existing codes of conducts, and aim to put in place a common, minimum standard of behaviour, to make sure that campaigners feel supported and protected.  

Education also plays a key role in tackling abuse by preparing young people to participate in democracy. The Commission has developed democratic education resources for teachers and young people ahead of the Senedd election, that build confidence in respectful debate, improve media literacy, and build understanding of the role of the Senedd and its politicians.  

The Commission has recommended social media companies tackle online abuse, with standardised, rapid-response protocols to remove abusive content and identify perpetrators. It argues this would safeguard individuals and their families, as well as protect the health of UK democracy.  

Rhydian Thomas, Head of the Electoral Commission Wales, said:

"Campaigning is vital to our democracy and usually carried out respectfully. However, our research shows that far too many candidates are facing harassment and abuse. The abuse and intimidation of candidates, elected officials and electoral workers comes at a great personal cost and it is damaging our democracy.  

“This is not an inevitable part of political life. But tackling it requires everyone to play their part - government, police, regulators, political parties and social media companies alike to protect those involved in our elections.”

“We’ve made recommendations for social media companies to strengthen their response to abusive content, and set out new principles for campaigning, that seek to help candidates take part in elections safely and respectfully.

“No one should be deterred from standing for election or speaking to voters."

Simon Belcher, Assistant Chief Constable for South Wales Police, said:

“Campaigning and contrasting political views are the mark of a healthy democracy, but these should not cross the line into criminal abuse, harassment or disorder. Threats of violence, unwanted contact, and discriminatory abuse are illegal and there are serious penalties for those who are found guilty of criminal offences. All four police forces have pledged to prevent and detect crime and enable the democratic process to proceed unhindered at this election.”

“Our joint guidance will help candidates stay safe on the campaign trail and provides advice on the actions or behaviours that could constitute a criminal offence, when candidates should contact the police and practical steps candidates can take to protect themselves.”

Ends  

For more information contact Ella Farrell on 029 2034 6814, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or [email protected].