Election 2026

Welcome to The Open University in Wales homepage for the 2026 Senedd election. 

Here you will find all our content relating to the election, including our asks of the next Welsh Government and learning resources to help you understand what the election is all about and how you can take part.

Our asks of the next Welsh Government

The Open University has published its own manifesto ahead of the election, which sets out the key commitments we would like the next Welsh Government to make.

We say that these commitments would help to unlock the potential of flexible higher education in developing the economy and strengthening communities across Wales.

Below you will find more information about our manifesto and how you can get in touch to discuss it with us.

News: The Open University in Wales launches manifesto for the 2026 Senedd election

Politicians, candidates, policy officers, and stakeholders can email [email protected] to arrange a discussion about our manifesto. 

Our ideas

Ahead of the election, we will be sharing our ideas about what the next Welsh Government could do to maximise the benefit of flexible higher education across the nation.

These will explore our manifesto asks in more detail, and expand on why we think we have an important role to play in strengthening our economy and our communities.

Unlocking Wales’ potential: flexible higher education as a national priority – Ben Lewis for the Institute of Welsh Affairs 

Flexible higher education: Wales’ untapped tool to fight poverty – Cerith Rhys Jones for the Bevan Foundation

What a reimagined ‘university of the air’ could achieve for a modern Wales - Cerith Rhys Jones for Nation.Cymru

Learning resources

Our democracy is as its strongest when we all participate in it. Ahead of the election, why not explore the links below to learn more about democratic process?

If you come across other resources that could be useful to add to this section, please let us know.

Free course: Understanding devolution in Wales

Free course: Introduction to making political and social change

Guide: You, me and the future of Wales 

Changemakers

Senedd Research – Etholiad 26 resources page