SENATORIAL candidates would need one seconder from each of Jersey’s nine electoral constituencies under a simplified amendment to the Island’s electoral law.
Ahead of next week’s debate around the details of a new law covering the return of the Islandwide role at next June’s election, a backbench politician wants to make it a requirement that seconders for any candidate are drawn from all nine electoral districts.
Deputy Hilary Jeune originally proposed that candidates for the role of Senator should secure 14 seconders drawn proportionally from across the Island’s electoral constituencies.
But following discussions with colleagues, she has simplified what she acknowledged was a “slightly over-complicated” idea.
Under her revised proposal, Senatorial candidates would require one proposer from anywhere in the Island, and nine seconders – one from each of the nine constituencies – giving a total of ten supporters.
Deputy Jeune said: “The rationale behind my original amendment remains unchanged: a Senator should be able to demonstrate that their manifesto, platform and values have found support across Jersey, not just in one parish or constituency.”
The new law, proposed by the Privileges and Procedures Committee, and its amendments are set to be debated during the next sitting of the Assembly, which will start on Monday 8 September.
