International team arrives to observe election

Saturday 18 June 2022

A team of international observers, including representatives from Kenya, the Cayman Islands and the Isle of Man, has arrived in Jersey to observe Wednesday’s election.

The group, which is part of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region, has been invited by the States Assembly to assess the new electoral process.

The observers will judge the election against international standards, commitments and obligations as well as domestic laws.

Although they will not interfere in democratically made decisions, the observers are able to comment on the impact of the new changes, such as the controversial removal of the island-wide mandate.

Also, if, for example, the turnout is low – a feature of Jersey elections in the modern age – the observers can make recommendations in its preliminary and final reports.

Pictured: The observers' role is to keep an eye on Jersey's new election process and produce a report with recommendations on areas such as turnout.

Although the mission includes elected representatives, and is headed by Martin Whitfield, a Member of the Scottish Parliament and former MP, it also includes electoral, constitutional and legal experts.

Recommendations by CPA BIMR observers after the 2018 election – the first time the group had been invited – were a key influence in this year’s changes to electoral districts, including the creation of nine ‘super-constituencies’.

Mr Whitfield said: “The team is delighted to be invited back to Jersey to observe the upcoming election and we look forward to reviewing recent electoral changes.

“We believe that this independent and impartial mission will promote democracy, rule of law and human rights in Jersey.”

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