Call To Reconsider Stricter Election Criteria

Tuesday, 16 March 2021 18:05

States members are being warned to carefully consider the consequences if they approve a draft law in May to restrict the number of people who'll be eligible to stand for election in Jersey.

The Assembly voted in principle last September to to only allow people to stand for election in Jersey when they've lived here for five years and are 'entitled to work'.

Currently, only two years is needed.

The aim of the original proposition from Deputy Montfort Tadier was to try and remove the right that Senators, Constables, and Deputies must be British Citizens.

That was rejected, but other parts of the amended proposition were adopted - which included asking the Privileges and Procedures Committee to bring forward the necessary law changes.

Despite lodging this draft law, PPC - led by Deputy Carina Alves - has indicated that it doesn't want States members to support it.

"The Committee wishes to make it clear that it has lodged this legislation because it was duty bound to bring forward for debate the proposed changes.

"This change will significantly restrict the number of people eligible to stand for election as a Senator, Connétable or Deputy compared to the current position. Therefore, the Committee urges Members to consider very carefully the consequences this change would have on the eligibility criteria for those thinking about standing for election in the future."

It's set for debate on 11 May.

More from Jersey News

Plans to modernise Jersey's 'extremely outdated' cremation rules

Jersey's rules on cremation are being modernised for the first time since the 1960s.
Driver 'seriously injured' in Grouville crash

A driver has been admitted to hospital with serious injuries after a crash in Jersey.
Jury finds Shay John Bester guilty of offences including rape

Shay John Bester has been found guilty, after going on trial for offences including six counts of rape against three young, vulnerable females.
African community groups express 'disappointment' with Deputy Ozouf sentencing

Friends of Africa Jersey and the Kenyans in Jersey Committee have come together to express their disappointment following Deputy Philip Ozouf's sentencing, and are calling for increased protection for workers who speak out about exploitation.
Island Energy to return to Royal Court over Mont Pinel gas explosion

Island Energy is set to return to the Royal Court to enter pleas after being charged by the Health and Safety Inspectorate over a gas explosion at Mont Pinel.
Jersey to introduce legal limit for PFAS in drinking water

A legal limit for PFAS in Jersey's drinking water will be introduced for the first time.
Jersey Electricity drops St Martin solar farm idea

Jersey Electricity has dropped plans for a solar farm on land in St Martin belonging to the King.
PPC won't move to block Deputy's return to States Assembly

The committee that oversees States Members' conduct says it won't being a proposition to further suspend Deputy Philip Ozouf following his conviction for immigration offences.