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Referendum - position of the Connétables in the States (P.146-2009)-second amendment

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STATES OF JERSEY

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REFERENDUM: POSITION OF THE CONNÉTABLES IN THE STATES (P.146/2009) – SECOND AMENDMENT

Lodged au Greffe on 26th October 2009

by Deputy A.E. Jeune of St. Brelade

STATES GREFFE

2009   Price code: A  P.146 Amd.(2)

REFERENDUM: POSITION OF THE CONNÉTABLES IN THE STATES (P.146/2009) – SECOND AMENDMENT

1  PAGE 2, PARAGRAPH (a) –

After the words "members of the States" insert the words "and the number of elected members of the States"; for the word "question" substitute the word "questions"  and  after  the  existing  question  insert  an  additional  question  as follows –

"Do  you  think  that  the  number  of  elected  States  members should be reduced by 6?

YES  NO "

2  PAGE 2, NEW PARAGRAPH –

After paragraph (b) insert a new paragraph (c) as follows –

"(c)  to agree that the outcome of the referendum will be implemented

by  the  States  in  order  to  be  effective  for  the  2011  elections, provided that there is a turnout in excess of 50% of the registered electorate voting in the referendum."

DEPUTY A.E. JEUNE OF ST. BRELADE

Page - 3

P.146/2009 Amd.(2)

REPORT

Members will be aware I withdrew my proposition P.138/2009 in favour of this forthcoming proposition P.146/2009 for a referendum in respect of the constitution of the States Assembly.

As it is my understanding, the electorate believe we are over-governed (53 elected members for a population of less than 100,000), they want to see a reduction in the number of Members of the States of Jersey.

Part 1 of this amendment will address that issue. I have used the number of 6 as I consider it keeps a balance between the identifiable needs (Ministerial government and Scrutiny). A referendum allows for YES or NO votes, it does not provide for a "selection".

I am putting forward Part 2 as I consider that if there is to be any value to the main proposition and its first amendment, the electorate must be assured of the action this Assembly will place on the outcome. No referendum in itself is binding. There needs to be an incentive to the electorate and the States, if accepting this amendment, will have given a commitment in advance to implement the outcome provided that more than 50% do vote.

Why would one bother to place a vote if it is only to be ignored? Part 2 gives the electorate the reassurance I believe they need.

Financial and manpower implications

There should be no additional manpower or financial implications of this amendment.

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P.146/2009 Amd.(2)