The National Assembly for Wales consists of sixty Assembly Members elected every four years. Forty of these are elected in constituencies using the first-past-the-post system; the other twenty are elected to represent the five regions of Wales.

The Assembly is a devolved body that decides on its priorities and allocates the funds made available to it by the UK Government. Powers devolved to the Assembly include health, education, economic development, planning and culture. Within its powers, the Assembly develops policy and passes legislation affecting the people of Wales.