Why hasn devolution increased turnout?
Devolution was supposed to be about bringing government closer to the people, building a new sense of engagement and participation in parts of the UK neglected by a Westminster-dominated political system. But if turnout is any measure, it hasn’t worked. In the devolved elections in Scotland and Wales in 1999 and 2003, turnout was lower than in all Westminster elections since 1997, and fell markedly in between: from 59% to 49% in Scotland and from 45% to 38% in Wales. So why hasn’t devolution delivered increased participation? The reasons are complex, partly reflecting UK-wide trends but also ‘home-grown’ factors. In particular, the electorates of the devolved nations seem to feel that devolution has not made much difference. This is partly to do with unrealistic expectations at the outset, especially in Scotland. But there is also a feeling that Westminster still dominates. Prior to devolution, over 40% of Scots thought the new Parliament would have ‘most influence over the way Scotlan
Related Questions
- One of my friends thinks that the fact that cancer rates have increased proves that evolution doesn exist. Does this sound a bit crazy to you?
- Can the academic scholarship be increased if the Grade Point Average (GPA) is higher after the freshman year?
- Has poverty increased in scotland since devolution?
