The proposition, put forward by Deputy Inna Gardiner, suggests that instead of applying for British citizenship, non-British residents wishing to stand for election should be allowed to take a test on life in Jersey to prove they are eligible.
In a report accompanying the proposition, Deputy Gardiner says that “there are many reasons why an individual might not want to apply for British citizenship, not least because some countries do not allow dual citizenship, and this proposition provides an alternative option.”
Pictured: A vote in the States in September made it so that if an islander wants to stand for election, they must have lived here for five years and be entitled.
Instead of citizenship, eligibility for election would be determined by a process split into two sections:
- A test detailing the history of the island and its customs
- A ‘swearing in’ ceremony in the Royal Court
The key source of information for the test would come from the Jersey supplement of the ‘Life in the United Kingdom’ test for British citizenship, but added that additional approaches could also be taken in developing the test.
Though the Deputy noted the test would not be free, she added that “any cost will not be prohibitive.”
In September, the States voted against allowing non-British citizens to stand for election, instead voting in a five-year requirement and a need for those standing to hold ‘entitled to work’ status.
The States of Jersey has just voted to make it HARDER for people (including British citizens) to be allowed to run for election.
You couldn’t make this stuff up.
— Senator Sam Mézec (@SamMezecJsy) September 23, 2020
The move to tighten the rules divided the States Chamber, with a 22 to 20 result. Senator Sam Mézec slammed the decision at the time, saying on Twitter that: “The States of Jersey has just voted to make it HARDER for people (including British citizens) to be allowed to run for election.
“You couldn’t make this stuff up.”
The proposition will be debated on 9 February.