The official version of this document can be found via the PDF button.
The below content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost, therefore it should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments.
STATES OF JERSEY
DRAFT ELECTIONS (APPOINTED DAY) (JERSEY) ACT 202- (P.17/2025): AMENDMENT
Lodged au Greffe on 21st March 2025
by Deputy K.L. Moore of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter Earliest date for debate: 1st April 2025
STATES GREFFE
DRAFT ELECTIONS (APPOINTED DAY) (JERSEY) ACT 202- (P.17/2025): AMENDMENT
PAGE 6, ARTICLE 1 –
For "7 June 2026" substitute "26 April 2026".
DEPUTY K.L. MOORE OF ST. MARY, ST. OUEN AND ST. PETER
REPORT
This amendment is a simple, but practical, solution to a number of issues. These issues are likely not evident to the public, but have a number of implications for both current Members, and for those hoping to stand at the next election.
Moving the election date before Liberation Day would ensure that there is no discomfort with Members who are standing for re-election taking part in the events of the day – as has been the case previously. An election before Liberation Day would also allow all Members to fully focus on the day and not be distracted by the last few weeks of election campaigning.
An earlier election would also expedite the process of not just swearing in of the Assembly but also the appointment of a new Chief Minister. The timeline would ensure that the new Chief Minister to be in post prior to Liberation Day.
When contemplating this amendment and an earlier election date, I have also considered that the Easter holidays would be over by the 26th of April. Holding the final campaign period over school holidays will provide suitable time for children and young people to get involved in campaigns if they wish to. This could provide an opportunity to increase voter turnout for the 16-18 year-old demographic as they will, potentially, be more politically aware and able to focus more on campaign events if they are not also focussed solely on educational activities.
Holding an election earlier in the year will also assist in the timetable for consideration of both the Common Strategic Policy (CSP) and Government Plan. An increased period of time between election and publication would allow –
• a more thorough CSP and Government Plan to be drafted;
• for a greater period of Scrutiny for these publications before the debate takes place; and
• new Members to be fully brought up to speed on the process of the annual Government Plan, and to participate in the process more effectively.
The currently proposed June election date would put too much pressure on both of these processes, especially any such Government Plan. With the June election date there is a very short window between the selection of a new Government and the need to agree a budget before the end of a year.
In conclusion, if adopted, an election before Liberation Day would alleviate any potential discomfort that may arise from Members seeking re-election and remove potential distraction from campaigning, promote further political engagement by young people, and provide the future Government a longer period of drafting for crucial documents to ensure effective governance.
Financial and staffing implications
As this amendment solely seeks to change the date and not the scope of the election, there are no additional financial and/or staffing implications arising from this amendment.
Children's Rights Impact Assessment
A Children's Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) has been prepared in relation to this proposition and is available to read on the States Assembly website.