PEOPLES VOICE CYMRU -THE CHARTER.

THE PEOPLES VOICE CYMRU CHARTER

A Charter for a Democratic Wales

PREAMBLE

We, the people of Wales, inspired by the democratic spirit of our Chartist ancestors who marched on Newport in 1839, and guided by the principles of justice, equality, and self-determination, hereby establish this Charter as our foundation for a truly democratic Wales.

Whereas the people of Wales have long struggled for genuine representation and economic justice, and whereas the current political system fails to serve the interests of working people and communities across our nation, we declare these principles and demands as essential for the democratic future of Wales.

THE SIX PILLARS OF DEMOCRATIC WALES

  1. UNIVERSAL DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION

Every person resident in Wales shall have an equal voice in our democracy.

  • Extend voting rights to all residents aged 16 and above in all Welsh elections
  • Automatic voter registration for all eligible citizens
  • Proportional representation in all Welsh elections to ensure every vote counts
  • Community assemblies with decision-making powers over local issues
  • Digital democracy platforms to enable direct participation in policymaking
  1. TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE

All political processes shall be conducted openly and accountably to the people.

  • Mandatory live streaming of all Senedd proceedings and committee meetings
  • Public access to all government documents within 30 days of creation
  • Citizens' right to recall elected representatives through petition
  • Independent oversight body with powers to investigate government conduct
  • Annual local public assemblies where government representatives must account for their actions
  1. ECONOMIC DEMOCRACY AND WORKERS' RIGHTS

The wealth of Wales shall serve the people of Wales.

  • Public ownership of essential services: energy, water, transport, and communications
  • Worker representation on all company boards operating in Wales
  • Community ownership models for local businesses and services
  • Universal Basic Income pilot programs in post-industrial communities
  • Maximum wage ratios to prevent excessive executive compensation
  1. WELSH SELF-DETERMINATION

Wales shall have the power to determine its own future.

  • Full fiscal autonomy for Wales with control over all taxes raised in Wales
  • Welsh control over natural resources, including renewable energy
  • Power to negotiate international agreements on matters of Welsh competence
  • Constitutional protection for Welsh devolution against Westminster interference
  1. SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

A Wales that works for all people and protects our environment for future generations, but not Independence.

  • Universal access to healthcare, education, and housing as fundamental rights
  • Community land ownership to prevent speculation and ensure affordable housing
  • Protection and promotion of the Welsh language in all public life
  • Environmental protection as a constitutional principle
  1. COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT AND CULTURAL DEMOCRACY

Power shall rest with communities, not distant institutions.

  • Community councils with real budgets and decision-making powers
  • Participatory budgeting for all local government spending
  • Community ownership of local assets: pubs, shops, community centres
  • Cultural democracy with community control over local arts and heritage
  • Protection of community spaces from corporate exploitation

METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION

PEACEFUL DEMOCRATIC ACTION

We commit to achieving these goals through:

  • Mass organisation and community mobilisation
  • Electoral participation and candidate selection
  • Direct action and civil disobedience when necessary
  • International solidarity with democratic movements
  • Education and consciousness-raising in our communities

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

We call for a Welsh Constitutional Convention, elected by the people, to:

  • Draft a written constitution for Wales
  • Establish the legal framework for these democratic rights
  • Create mechanisms for ongoing democratic participation
  • Ensure protection of minority rights and community diversity

OUR COMMITMENT

We, the supporters of Peoples Voice Cymru, pledge to:

  • Organise in every community across Wales
  • Stand candidates committed to this Charter in all elections
  • Build alliances with trade unions, community groups, and social movements
  • Resist all attempts to undermine democratic rights
  • Work tirelessly until these principles become reality

THE SPIRIT OF 1839 LIVES ON

Just as our Chartist ancestors marched for democracy and justice, we march forward with their spirit, adapted for our times. We honour their sacrifice by continuing their struggle for a Wales where power truly rests with the people.

The people of Wales deserve nothing less than full democracy, economic justice, and the right to determine our own future.

This Charter stands as our covenant with the people of Wales and our commitment to building a truly democratic society.

Adopted by Peoples Voice Cymru
In the spirit of the Newport Rising and the democratic tradition of Wales