Call To Reconsider Stricter Election Criteria

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.