Source · Select Committees · Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Deferred
2024 general election deemed well-run due to dedicated electoral administration efforts
Conclusion
We agree that the 2024 general election was well run. This was due to the hard work, dedication, and often the personal sacrifice of the people running it. The electoral administrators, the civil servants and the Electoral Commission worked hard to deliver the election and, as shown later in the report, to ensure that changes to electoral law, new systems and new guidance were implemented in full. We extend our thanks to those involved in running the election. (Conclusion, Paragraph 13)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government agrees on the importance of clear assessments but deflects responsibility for establishing criteria for assessing election effectiveness to the Electoral Commission, stating it will consider proposals from them. It also vaguely commits to exploring ways to improve democratic engagement.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
The Government supports the principles set out by the Committee on the importance of clear assessments of elections delivery and we are keen to work with the Committee to develop a greater understanding of this. It is important that there is a widespread understanding of what election failure looks like, but it is also important this recognises that these concepts are contested. Any impartial assessment of election delivery cannot be made by government alone and instead requires extensive input of civil society. The Government acknowledges the recommendation to establish criteria for assessing the effectiveness of election delivery and appreciates the Committee’s efforts in examining this important issue. We recognise that the responsibility for this recommendation rests with the Electoral Commission. While the Government and Commission both judge the 2024 General Election to have been delivered successfully, we acknowledge that delivery was not without its challenges. The Government has already taken action to review the existing system and processes within which elections operate.
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