Electoral representation of Parishes

14

WQ.94/2018

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PRIVILEGES AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE

BY DEPUTY M. TADIER OF ST. BRELADE ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 26th JUNE 2018

Question

Further to the latest population estimates, and taking into account research undertaken by the previous Privileges and Procedures Committee and presented in comments to Composition and Election of the States Assembly' (P.133/2016), will the Chairman advise –

1. which constituencies in Jersey remain under-represented in the States Assembly, and by how much; and
2. what steps, if any, he will take to make sure that any under-representation is addressed as a matter of urgency?

Answer

The latest population figures were only released on Friday 22nd June and the eligible voter estimates are detailed below. The figures for population and eligible voters were produced by the Statistics Unit using information from the 2011 Jersey Census and more recent data sources.

The Statistics Unit has not received new parish-level population information since the 2011 Census. The 2017 Population Estimate assumes that the population of each parish has increased by the same proportion, which is unlikely to be true. Likewise, the number of eligible voters has simply been uprated in line with the population figures. As the figures were only released on Friday, it was not possible to provide a breakdown for those Parishes which have districts and thereby make comment on which Parishes remain under-represented. This information will be circulated to Members as soon as is practicable.

The issue of equitable representation will be high on the new Committee's agenda once it is constituted as part of an active review of the composition and election of the Assembly, particularly following receipt of the report of the CPA Election Observer mission.