A draft bill is being prepared that will enable the 2021 Senedd elections to be postponed for up to six months should there be a spring spike in infections, the First Minister has said.
However, it's understood that this will be a “last resort” solution.
Contingency plans have been drawn up in the event the pandemic presents such a serious threat to public health that it is not safe to hold the election in May, North Wales Live reports.
Preparations are underway for a draft bill to enable the Llywydd, the Senedd’s presiding officer, to postpone the election for up to six months, if necessary.
The required legislation will be put before the Senedd in January if the situation after Christmas indicates this is likely to be needed.
However, Mr Drakeford said the Welsh Government fully intends for the next Senedd election to take place as planned on May 6, 2021.
“We are also determined to do everything in our power to ensure people can vote when the election takes place,” he said.
Mr Drakeford said Covid-secure polling stations and a greater emphasis on postal voting will be a feature of next year’s elections.
Greater flexibility around the nomination of candidates is also being introduced to prevent disruption to the election process.
Mr Drakeford said the pandemic has created “significant challenges” to maintaining the safety and integrity of the election, but he insisted: “I believe we must pursue every option for enabling people to exercise their democratic right in the face of coronavirus.”
In setting out the plans, the First Minister has dispelled rumours that the sixth Senedd vote could be conducted entirely by post.
In June the First Minister established a Elections Planning Group to consider potential Covid impacts on the vote – and what legislation might be needed as a result.
The group has now agreed a number of measures that are designed to increase the “flexibility and resilience of election operations”. These include:
- Measures to encourage vulnerable voters and others to consider applying for a postal vote – and to apply early if possible
- To provide greater flexibility around the nomination of candidates, as well as postal and proxy voting
- Measures to ensure the safe operation of polling stations and count venues
- Ensuring coronavirus regulations do not inhibit voting
In 2021, 16 and 17-year-olds will have the right to vote for the first time, as well as qualifying foreign citizens.
“Much communications activity is planned to encourage postal voting, and everything will be done to make polling stations Covid secure," the First Minister said.
He added: “This has been a remarkable year and a remarkable Fifth Senedd.
“Let us work together to ensure that the people of Wales, including those newly enfranchised, can exercise their democratic right safely.”
