TODAY we launch a week-long series of special features ahead of the General Election on May 7.

Each day we will focus on one of the six constituencies in our circulation area, giving some background information to the recent political picture there, plus some social statistics for each constituency.

And alongside this we will give a chance for each candidate standing for the parliamentary seat a chance to have their say, each having an equal amount of space to try to convince undecided voters.

We make no excuse for this, for although the various party leaders get most of the limelight in the election campaign, the people who will represent you will come from those we feature this week.

There are several hustings meetings taking place throughout Gwent but, important as these are, most undecided voters will not attend them.

The turnout in some recent elections might indicate increasing apathy with politics, perhaps fuelled by a view that an individual’s vote will not count.

However, the indications are that this General Election will be close, with perhaps more than just the traditional parties having a say in government.

By putting the candidates’ arguments in one place, hopefully we can help some of the undecided make up their mind after carefully considering the alternatives.