A BID to reinstate the Island-wide role of Senator in time for the next general election has suffered a narrow defeat.
After more than five hours of debate, Members voted by 24-23 against Deputy Ian Gorst’s proposition to bring back Senators.
Deputy Gorst said that having the Island-wide mandate was the most democratic system, urging his fellow Members to think carefully before rejecting it. But others said the new electoral system, first used last year, had resulted in the most diverse Assembly ever seen and should be given time to bed in.
Although the margin of defeat was one vote, regulations about propositions relating to the make-up of the Assembly require an absolute majority of the 49 States Members, meaning Deputy Gorst needed 25 votes to succeed.
Full story in Wednesday’s JEP
