RIVAL proposals for the date on which the Island’s 2026 general election will take place are set to be considered by States Members next week.
While the Privileges and Procedures Committee, which oversees States Assembly business, had initially put forward 7 June as its suggested date, former Chief Minister Kristina Moore has lodged an amendment to bring forward the election by six weeks to 26 April.
Both the proposed dates are Sundays, with PPC saying that weekend polling had been shown to achieve a higher turnout in other jurisdictions.
Deputy Moore, who stated recently that she was unlikely to be standing for re-election next year, said in the report accompanying her amendment that the potential “distraction” of a clash with Liberation Day could be removed with a change of date.
“Moving the election date would ensure that there is no discomfort with Members who are standing for re-election taking part in the events of Liberation Day – as has been the case previously,” she said. “This would also allow all Members to fully focus on the day and not be distracted by election campaigning.”
Deputy Moore said the date would also enable the Assembly to elect a Chief Minister, before Liberation Day.
The overlap of the final weeks of the election campaign with the school holidays, due to finish on Monday 20 April, would be advantageous, she argued, allowing greater scope for children and young people to become involved in the campaign.
Deputy Moore added that the earlier date would assist in the timetables for consideration of the new administration’s Common Strategic Policy and its Government Plan.
Officials from the States Greffe have also clarified how electoral law will be changed in the wake of the decision last week to restore the role of Senator to the Assembly.
In a statement, it was confirmed that a draft law will be brought to the Assembly by PPC for debate and final approval, with the possibility that amendments could be brought at that stage. No date for this debate has been given.
The statement added that, if approved, the legislation would be sent to the Privy Council for sign-off prior to returning to the Assembly to set the date on which it would come into effect.
