A Response to the Richard Commission from Lord Livsey of Talgarth

The electoral systems anal the way they function are clearly set out in the Richard Commission's document on Electoral Arrangements.

• The single transferable vote system. would work best with an 80-member Assembly, with two members elected per constituency. The reason why I believe that this would be far the best method, is because it would achieve the Iughest degree of proportionality and choice.  It would also be fair to all political patties and genders.

• The second option would be an Alternative Vote plus system, with. an Open Additional Member List, from which the electorate could choose their preference.

• If the present.  Elected Additional Member system is to be retained with further legislative powers, then at least 70 Members (preferably 80) should be elected.  It is essential that even where Party lists are deployed, these must be opens lists from which the elector can choose candidates - even from within the same party. Closed party lists should not be an option.  I regard this latter system as the least desirable proportional representation system for the National Assembly.