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Proposed Common Strategic Policy 2018–22 (P.110/2018): fifth amendment (P.110/2018 Amd.(5))

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STATES OF JERSEY

PROPOSED COMMON STRATEGIC POLICY 2018–22 (P.110/2018): FIFTH AMENDMENT

Lodged au Greffe on 20th November 2018 by Deputy S.M. Wickenden of St. Helier

STATES GREFFE

2018  P.110 Amd.(5)

PROPOSED COMMON STRATEGIC POLICY 2018–22 (P.110/2018): FIFTH AMENDMENT

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PAGE 2 –

After the words "Appendix to this Proposition", insert the words ", except that on page 22 of the Appendix to the Proposed Common Strategic Policy 2018–22, for the section heading "4 Ongoing Initiatives", substitute the section heading "5 Ongoing Initiatives", and at the end of this section add the following paragraph –

" An  electoral  system  which  encourages  voter  turnout  and  meets international best practice

This Council of Ministers is committed to supporting the work of the Privileges and Procedures Committee (PPC) to respond to the report of the 2018 election observers. In particular, we will work with PPC and the States  Greffe  to  introduce  a  more  user-friendly  system  for  electoral registration; to increase the diversity of candidates standing for election and to provide them with more assistance to stand; to identify and address the principal barriers to higher election turnout; and to invite election observers at the 2022 election.".".

DEPUTY S.M. WICKENDEN OF ST. HELIER

Note:  After this amendment, the proposition would read as follows –

THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion

in accordance with Article 18(2)(e) of the States of Jersey Law 2005, to approve the statement of the Common Strategic Policy of the Council of Ministers as set out in the Appendix to this Proposition, except that on page 22 of the Appendix to the Proposed Common Strategic Policy 2018–22, for the section heading "4 Ongoing Initiatives", substitute the section heading "5 Ongoing Initiatives", and at the end of this section add the following paragraph –

" An  electoral  system  which  encourages  voter  turnout  and meets international best practice

This Council of Ministers is committed to supporting the work of the Privileges and Procedures Committee (PPC) to respond to the report of the 2018 election observers. In particular, we will work with PPC and the States Greffe to introduce a more user-friendly system  for  electoral  registration;  to  increase  the  diversity  of candidates standing for election and to provide them with more assistance to stand; to identify and address the principal barriers to higher election turnout; and to invite election observers at the 2022 election.".

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P.110/2018 Amd.(5)

REPORT

It is essential that Jersey has a vibrant and inclusive democracy, and there is clearly work to be done to achieve this, given the historically low level of election turnout. This was highlighted by the report of the election observers, which made a number of far- reaching  recommendations  which  the  Privileges  and  Procedures  Committee  is considering. Work in this area will engage the States Greffe during the lifetime of this Common Strategic Policy ("CSP"), but will also involve departments and teams across the States, including the Judicial Greffe, Information Services, and Education, and should be referred to in the CSP. Referencing this important strand of work does not pre-judge the outcome of the debates we are likely to have in the next couple of years on the composition of the States, but it does flag up that we will be taking these matters seriously, as we must do to strengthen our democracy and preserve our international reputation for good governance.

Financial and manpower implications

There are no direct financial or manpower consequences for the States arising from this amendment, which simply recognises and highlights work already being undertaken by the  Privileges  and  Procedures  Committee.  The  cost  to  the  States  of  the  election observation mission in 2018 was £38,000, and the cost in 2022 is likely to be similar (with an adjustment for inflation).

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P.110/2018 Amd.(5)

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Votes

Vote: Adopted 4 December 2018

Minutes

Hansard