CALLS have been made for Wales to get the same new election powers promised to Scotland as devolution is expanded there.

The new powers, recommended by the Smith Commission, include the right to extend the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds for Scottish Parliamentary elections, control over the number of MSPs and the voting system used for Scottish parliamentary elections.

The Electoral Reform Society (ERS) Cymru says similar powers should be made available to Wales and political parties should adopt the Smith proposals ahead of next year's St David's Day devolution declaration.

A spokesman said: "As parties in Wales step-up talks ahead of next year's St David's Day, they should follow Scotland's lead and agree a set of plans that will make elections work better in Wales."

Meanwhile, as more powers are set to be given to the Scottish Parliament, Assembly Presiding Officer and Newport AM Rosemary Butler said was important that constitutional change "involves all the nations of the UK – not just Scotland."

She added: “Throughout the history of devolution in the UK, changes to the constitutional settlement in Scotland have often led to similar changes in Wales.

“In fact, the Prime Minister himself has said that people of Wales will also have a bigger say about their own affairs.

“I look forward to examining the proposals in more detail and seeing where there are elements which might usefully be considered for Wales.”

The Presiding Officer met with Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Crabb on 24 November 2014 to discuss future devolution in Wales.