Democracy matters. Around the world we see what happens when authoritarians attempt to deny people their voices," writes Joyce Watson MS.

I am writing before polling day in our county council elections and I hope you used your vote to choose your representative or representatives. They will serve our communities for the next four years.

Yet 72 candidates across Wales - seven of 68 in Powys - already know they have secured a seat on their local council as no-one has stood against them, leaving local voters no positive choice at the ballot box.

Modern politics can be off-putting so I want to thank all those who have put themselves forward to represent their communities. I’m keen to see a wider range of people, particularly women, standing. Local representatives in our county, town and community councils have a huge impact, particularly in our small rural communities.

I’m concerned that the public attacks on those in office are deterring people from coming forward. From social media pile-ons to the sexist abuse of Angela Rayner, it is no wonder that many people are unprepared to expose themselves and their families to this unpleasantness.

I raised this in the Senedd last week and I was pleased that the minister shared my view that we all need to play our part in setting an example. You can have a robust and constructive debate without resorting to personal attacks. It’s off-putting to new candidates and off-putting to those witnessing it.

Now we need to help those new councillors who come in after these elections to understand what behaviour is expected of them, and also to support them should they need it.

We need systems in place to ensure high standards in public life, and to restore trust in our elected representatives.

Recent stories out of Westminster have not helped - from MPs sexually harassing and bullying their staff, an MP looking at porn in the House of Commons chamber, and the unprecedented situation of the Prime Minister and Chancellor receiving police fines for breaking the law.

I believe the vast majority of those who stand for election do so out of an urge to improve their surroundings - to make the world a better place. We do not always agree on how to achieve this, and we are far from perfect, but at least our aim is the same - to serve our communities.