Parts of Pembrokeshire have been branded ‘democracy deserts’ by the Electoral Reform Society, as 13 council seats go uncontested.
The Society estimates that 20,038 Pembrokeshire residents will be denied a vote in this year’s council elections, as 13 councillors have already been elected unopposed.
Stephen Brooks, Director of Electoral Reform Society Wales, said: “Uncontested seats are a symptom of the lack of real competition in our local democracy. More than 20,000 Pembrokeshire voters will be denied a choice over who makes decisions on their behalf across a range of important issues like council tax, social services, and schools.
“The Welsh Government needs to breathe new life into local democracy, and adopt Scotland’s fair voting system.
In Scotland, voters have more choice and a greater say in the decisions that affect them. It’s only right that Pembrokeshire taxpayers have the same rights.”
The 13 uncontested county council seats are Camrose, Burton, Carew, Clydau, Dinas Cross, Haverfordwest Prendergast, Kilgetty/ Begelly, Llanrhian, Milford Haven West, Neyland East, Pembroke Dock Pennar, The Havens, and Wiston.
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