What's the cost of democracy? About £2.60 per vote

Thursday 15 September 2016

The Senatorial by-election, which attracted votes from just 19% of the electorate, has so far cost the States £32,000 - but that figure will rise much further.

Only 12,298 people voted in the election earlier this month in which Senator Sarah Ferguson was returned to the States with just 3,649 votes, marginally ahead of Deputy Sam Mezec.

It means each vote cost £2.60 in taxpayers' cash - and raises further questions over whether it represents value for money for a government constantly seeking to drive through efficiencies, with the winning candidate serving only a very short term of office until the 2018 general election. 

A Freedom of Information request revealed that website design and social media cost £8,500, while leaflets, candidate manifestos and distribution amounted to £11,500. 

All the hustings were filmed, which cost £12,000 and furthers costs are expected as these have not yet been processed. These include printing and stationery, hiring of staff, hiring of premises for polling stations and hustings, travel expenses, provisions, postage, telephone costs and advertising expenses. 

Following the by-election, there have been calls for candidates to pay a deposit in order to stand. Mike Dun attracted just 73 votes in the Island-wide election, Nick Le Cornu 139, Alvin Aaron 103, while Stevie Ocean was bottom of the 12 candidates, registering only 70.