Election laws relating to “political movements” are likely to come under review following this year’s election, the election authority has confirmed.
In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, the Jersey Electoral Authority said it is required to produce a report to the Privileges and Procedures Committee after the election recommending changes to election law and practice, adding that these are likely to include “matters relating to political movements”.
It comes days after Value Jersey issued a statement seeking to answer queries around its funding amid reports of “escalating levels of abuse, malice and threats from largely anonymous social media accounts”.
It followed mounting online debate surrounding the self-described “political movement”, which has become one of the most visible – and controversial – forces of the election campaign through its coordinated branding, candidate support packages and association with the Messina Group political consultancy.
The authority also sought to clarify that the only source of official information about the Jersey election is the Vote.je website.
“We have not reviewed or approved anything relating to any surveys designed to identify preferred candidates,” the statement said. “The JEA is obliged to remain impartial.”
The statement also addressed claims made by a “candidate associated with Value Jersey” that the JEA was “very satisfied” with meetings held with the group.
The authority said the meetings were “fact-finding meetings, as Value Jersey was aware”, and that “no such conclusions were reached”.
“The JEA does not have any remit or power to make decisions about these matters,” it added.
The JEA also reminded candidates that they have agreed to abide by the election code of conduct, which extends to supporters.
“The JEA is empowered to deal with any complaints made by a candidate in respect of the conduct of another candidate or any other person acting in a statutory role in respect of the elections,” the statement said.
The eight candidates for Deputy to have publicly endorsed Value Jersey are: Claire De Than, Samantha Gleave, Judy Martin, Cameron Monro, Robert Parker, Gabriel Raimondo, Phil Romeril and Gerald Voisin.
Serena Kersten, one of the 17 candidates for Senator, has also endorsed the movement’s policies.