The forthcoming elections in Wales are unlike any in recent memory, for several reasons. Firstly, the voting system is changing to a form of proportional representation. Under this system, each person has one vote for a political party rather than for an individual candidate in their constituency.
The constituencies themselves are also changing. The previous 40 have been replaced by 16 larger ones. However, each of these will elect six representatives, increasing the total number of Members of the Welsh Parliament (the Senedd) by 36, bringing the total to 96.
Seats in each constituency will be allocated in rounds using the D’Hondt formula, which is designed to ensure that the number of seats a party wins closely reflects its share of the total vote. While this may seem complex, the aim is to create a more balanced and representative outcome.
These changes, combined with shifting political opinions, could result in a significant shift in leadership in Wales, where the Labour Party has been the dominant party since 1922.
In recent weeks, we have been praying for the Welsh elections in the prayer groups we are part of. As these groups include people with a range of political views, we have agreed to avoid party-political discussions and cynicism, something that is not always easy. Instead, we have focused on key issues and the solutions being proposed by different parties, so that we can pray in an informed and thoughtful way.
There are many issues of concern to voters. For example, two of the most prominent are health and the economy. People are facing rising living costs, and there are ongoing challenges within the NHS, including record-high waiting lists, workforce shortages, and limited access to mental health services. As a Prayerhouse, we also have a particular interest in education.
I am not going to tell you who to vote for, but I can suggest how we might approach voting.
Firstly, even if the decision feels difficult, we should not opt out. Instead, we should vote prayerfully, keeping in mind the core principles of our faith, such as justice, compassion, and freedom, principles that were central to Jesus’ teaching.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus announced the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy in himself. This could be seen as his “manifesto”:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the captives
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free.”
Jesus prioritised the poor, the captives, the blind, and the oppressed. The “poor” are not only those who lack material wealth, but also those who are afflicted, vulnerable, or unable to improve their situation. The “captives” can include anyone held by forces beyond their control, such as addiction or oppression. The “blind” may refer both to physical blindness and to a lack of understanding or clarity. The “oppressed” are those who are broken or weighed down.
To each of these groups, Jesus brought good news, freedom, healing, and hope. These are themes that could easily appear in political speeches, with their promises of a better future. However, Jesus was not establishing a political system; he was proclaiming a new kind of kingdom, one not built on political power, but on spiritual transformation.
This transformation works from the inside out, changing hearts and lives. We see this, for example, in the story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector, who, after encountering Jesus, gave half of his possessions to the poor and repaid those he had cheated. Ultimately, it was through the cross and the resurrection that this new Kingdom was established, offering forgiveness of sins to all. As believers, we recognise that only God, through Christ and by the power of the Spirit, can bring about deep and lasting change. Political leaders, by contrast, operate within the limits of the authority given to them through our votes and taxes. We should not expect from them what only God can provide.
However, we can and should pray for leaders of competence and integrity. We can pray that those elected will serve faithfully, represent their communities well, and seek to fulfil their promises. In a world like ours, this may seem idealistic, but it remains important. We should also pray that Senedd Members are held accountable in proportion to the responsibility they carry.
We are blessed to live in a country where we are able to vote, something that is not true everywhere. While we continue to pray for God’s Kingdom to come on earth, our thoughtful and prayerful participation in elections can play a part in shaping the future.
