Sark goes to the polls after six years

Sark goes to the polls after six years

It was the first time that islanders had gone to the polls since 2012, after a lack of candidates in 2014 and 2016 saw all sitting members of Chief Pleas returned unopposed.

The apparent inability to hold a contested election recently attracted the attention of Lord Keen, the UK minister with responsibility for the Channel Islands, who formally asked Sark to prove there was good governance in the island.

But this week, residents came out in force as 72 per cent of the electorate voted in nine new members of Chief Pleas from a field of 15 candidates.

Politicians hope that the strong turnout will allay the concerns expressed by Lord Keen, who, in a letter to Chief Pleas last month, hinted that the UK may be forced to intervene if Sark fails to demonstrate good government.

Sark’s returning officer, Arthur Rolfe, said: ‘I think people are generally quite pleased with the fact we have had a contested election and it is good for the island.

‘The 72 per cent turnout was very reasonable by Sark averages, but it is way ahead of most other jurisdictions. I don’t think Guernsey or Alderney come anywhere near that.’

Mr Rolfe added: ‘I take the opinion that we are an independent jurisdiction and we will continue to be such. Sark, to me, is capable of governing itself and it has just proved itself more so tonight.’

Sark’s problems were compounded last month when its sole electricity supplier threatened to turn off the power in a row with Chief Pleas over pricing. The blackout was averted following last-minute talks, and the island’s government is now planning to buy the firm.

The successful candidates were: Helen Plummer (205 votes), Philip Long (192), John Guille (191), Christopher Drillot (165), William Raymond (152), Amanda de Carteret (143), Ellen Lalor (138), Rodney Lalor (123) and Simon Couldridge (121).

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