Politicians are continuing to debate proposals to bring back Senators and change the make-up of Jersey’s parliament today – after voting to reject all suggestions of electoral reform so far.
Yesterday, States Members continued to debate a range of amendments to a proposition by Deputy Elaine Millar to restore the role of Senator in time for next year’s election – with nine island-wide representatives elected to replace the same number of Deputies.
No decision has been made yet regarding the main proposition, with the debate moving into its third day today.
A number of amendments were proposed to the proposition, which Deputy Millar did not accept.
The first amendment to be debated was from Deputy Tom Coles, who proposed that the reinstatement of Senators should be achieved by removing the role of Constable from the States Assembly – resulting in a total of 12 Senators.
The States Assembly voted to reject Deputy Coles’ amendment with 11 votes for, 33 votes against, and one abstention.
Deputy Sam Mezéc also proposed an amendment to the proposition that would have seen the office of Senator reinstated without reducing the number of Deputies.
He also wanted an Independent Boundaries Commission to be established to analyse the impact that reintroducing the role of Senators would have on voter equity, and requested its findings be presented to the Assembly before any legislative amendments are lodged.
The States Assembly voted to reject Deputy Mezec’s amendment with 19 votes for, 25 votes against, and two abstentions.
Former Chief Minister Deputy Kristina Moore proposed an amendment which sought to replace nine Deputy roles with seven Senator roles – reducing the number of States Members to 47.
Her amendment also said that those elected to the role of Senator should form the entire Council of Ministers, and be paid a higher salary for the responsibility.
But the States Assembly voted to reject all three parts of Deputy Moore’s amendment.
Deputy Montfort Tadier also proposed an amendment which requested a separate election be held for Senators.
He said that this should be done so in advance of the nomination deadline for candidates wishing to stand for either the office of Deputy or Constable.
Deputy Tadier also proposed that any amendments be brought forward in time for the 2030 election.
The States Assembly voted to reject the Deputy’s amendment with 22 votes for, 24 votes against, and no abstentions.
The debate continues today.