Registration of Political Groups

STATES OF JERSEY

REGISTRATION OF POLITICAL GROUPS

Lodged au Greffe on 10th December 2025 by Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central Earliest date for debate: 21st January 2026

STATES GREFFE

2025  P.115

PROPOSITION

THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion to request the Privileges and Procedures Committee to –

(a)  to request the Jersey Electoral Authority, in consultation with the Privileges and Procedures Committee, to –

1. produce  a  voluntary  code  of  practice  for  all  political  groups  that  are standing candidates for the 2026 election, such code to require all political groups  who declare  a  shared  political agenda  (to  include  all  political movements, collaborations or campaigns) to declare and publish –

1. the name of the political group, movement, collaboration or campaign;
2. information about their policies, funding sources, and decision-making structures;
3. details of any donations above the threshold set out within the Public Elections (Expenditure and Donations) (Jersey) Law 2014; and
4. financial records, to be submitted in accordance with the terms of the Political Parties (Registration) (Jersey) Law 2008;

2. update the electoral candidate nomination form to require all candidates to formally state whether they are involved in any political groups for the election; and

(b) to request the Privileges and Procedures Committee, in consultation with the Jersey Electoral Authority, to bring forward all necessary legislative changes to require political groups to register under the Political Parties (Registration) (Jersey) Law 2008, and to bring these changes to the Assembly for approval before the end of January 2028.

DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER CENTRAL

REPORT

There has been a growth of political parties in Jersey with mixed success. But there have also been increasing numbers of "political groupings" who propose collective working without the requirements to register as a political party.

Currently, under the Political Parties (Registration) (Jersey) Law 2008 formal political groupings must register as political parties with the following requirements –

Registration Requirement: A political party must be registered if it wishes to endorse candidates for election as a Deputy or Connétable .

Naming  Rules:  The  party  name  must  not  exceed  six  words.  Names, abbreviations, or emblems must not be offensive, obscene, or confusingly similar to those of other organizations.

Officeholders: Each party must have three officeholders: a Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. One person may hold two of these roles, but not all three. Application Process: Applications for registration are submitted to the Judicial Greffier. The application must include the party's name, emblem, and details of officeholders.

Financial Accountability: Registered parties must file accounts annually. Changes and Removal: Parties must notify changes in their details. They can be removed from the register for non-compliance.

Inspection and Offences: The register is publicly inspectable.

These rules are a lynchpin of transparency for political groups. However, currently, if a group of political allies work, campaign and develop a manifesto or appear on leaflets or posters together, there is no requirement for any level of transparency.

Perhaps equally as important is the lack of any requirement to detail who is funding a group before the election. With recent stories from around the world of external influence, it would be sensible for us to look closely at this area before our coming election. Jersey seems to not be subject to this type of interference, and we need to keep it that way.

I recognise the time constraints for legislative change. I therefore suggest a voluntary public registration in the first case. Then legislative change can be undertaken in the next assembly.

A voluntary code enables all involved to pro-actively declare the elements included. This is a positive move for transparency for the electorate.

Financial and staffing implications

There would be limited time related to the Jersey Electoral Authority in drafting a voluntary code. As included in the Annexes to this Report such a code could be set out in very simple form.

The legislative change should be relatively minor in that it is an extension of existing legislation. It is anticipated that the drafting time and administrative requirements for PPC could be provided within existing budgets and staffing.

Children's Rights Impact Assessment

I consider that this proposition (amendment) has no direct or indirect impact on children and that the duty to have due regard to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child does not arise. Accordingly, a Children's Rights Impact Assessment is not required under the Children (Convention Rights) (Jersey) Law 2022.

Annex 1 - An example code of conduct:

Code of Conduct for Political Groupings in Jersey Preamble

We, the undersigned political grouping, commit to upholding the highest standards of democratic integrity, transparency, and respect for the people of Jersey during the electoral process and beyond.

1. Respect for Democratic Principles

Uphold the rule of law and the democratic institutions of Jersey. Respect the rights of all candidates to campaign freely and fairly. Accept the outcome of free and fair elections.

2. Transparency and Accountability

Publish clear information about our policies, funding sources, and decision-making structures.

Disclose any donations above the threshold set by law.

Ensure financial records are maintained and submitted in accordance with the Political Parties (Registration) (Jersey) Law 2008.

3. Ethical Campaigning

Refrain from spreading misinformation, disinformation, or personal attacks.

Avoid the use of inflammatory language or tactics that incite division or hatred. Ensure all campaign materials are truthful, respectful, and compliant with electoral laws.

4. Inclusivity and Respect

Promote equal participation regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or background. Engage respectfully with voters, opponents, and the media.

Encourage civil discourse and constructive debate.

5. Environmental Responsibility

Minimize  environmental  impact  during  campaigning  (e.g.,  reduce  waste,  use sustainable materials).

Promote policies that support environmental sustainability.

6. Youth and Civic Engagement

Encourage youth participation in democratic processes.

Support civic education and public engagement in policy development.

7. Post-Election Conduct

Work collaboratively with elected officials and civil society to advance the public good. Continue to uphold transparency and accountability in all political activities.

Declaration

We hereby affirm our commitment to this Code of Conduct and pledge to uphold its principles throughout the electoral process and in our ongoing political activities. Signed by:

 [Name of Political Grouping]

 [Names of Officeholders]  [Date]

Annex 2:

Second example of code of practice

Code of Practice for Registering Political Groupings Pre-Election

1. Purpose

To ensure transparency, fairness, and legal compliance in the registration of political parties and groupings ahead of elections.

2. Legal Basis

This code is informed by

POLITICAL PARTIES (REGISTRATION) (JERSEY) LAW 2008

3. Registration Requirements

Political groupings must submit:

Party name, description, and emblem.

Constitution or governing document.

Details of party officers (Leader, Treasurer, Nominating Officer).

Financial  scheme  outlining  how  the  party  will  manage  donations  and expenditure.

4. Deadlines

Registration  must  be  completed  at  least  two  working  days  before  the  close  of nominations for candidates.

Late applications will not be accepted for the upcoming election.

5. Financial Compliance

Parties must comply with rules on:

Donations (source, reporting, limits). Campaign spending (limits, reporting). Annual accounts submission.

6. Public Transparency

Registered parties will be listed on the public register. Names, descriptions, and emblems must not:

Mislead voters.

Be offensive or promote unlawful activity.

7. Imprints on Campaign Material

All campaign materials must include an imprint stating:

Who produced the material.

Who it promotes.

Contact details of any promoter.