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1240/5(1785)
QUESTION TO BE ASKED OF THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMITE DES CONNETABLES ON TUESDAY, 4th FEBRUARY 2003
BY THE DEPUTY OF ST. JOHN
Question
Is the Vice-Chairman prepared to explain to members what new arrangements have been made for husting meetings for the forthcoming senatorial election?
Answer
At its last meeting on 14th January 2003, the Comité des Connétable s discussed the arrangements for the forthcoming by-election for Senator. Among the subjects discussed, was a suggestion that, as there were likely to be only a limited number of candidates, an alternative format for the Hustings meetings should be considered. The alternative format which was considered was along the lines of that used by the States when electing the President of the Policy and Resources Committee.
Mindful of the fact that the Connétable s role is solely to facilitate the electoral process and accordingly to arrange a meeting in each Parish so that the electors of that Parish may hear the candidates explain their policies and may question the candidates on a range of issues, the Connétable s decision was that any changes to the normal format should be agreed by the candidates and that in the mean time the status quo would apply.
I can now advise the Assembly that following discussion with the candidates nominated for the Senatorial by- election, I can confirm that the Connétable s will be hosting a hustings meeting in each Parish and that the format will be similar to previous Senatorial hustings. However, as on this occasion there are only five candidates, it has been agreed with them that each may speak for up to ten minutes explaining his policies and that following this there will be an opportunity for electors of the Parish to question candidates on subjects of their choice.
I wish to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Comité des Connétable s, to say how disappointed, yet not surprised, we are that the Deputy of St. John should see fit to comment to the press on this subject before seeking an explanation from any representative of the Comité des Connétable s.