States' Assembly & Constitution Committee - P.2021/46
The States are asked to decide:-
Whether, after consideration of the policy letter entitled 'General Election 2020: Reports from the CPA BIMR Election Expert Mission and the Registrar-General of Electors' dated 10th May 2021 submitted under Rule 17.(9) of the Rules of Procedures of the States of Deliberation and their Committees, they are of the opinion:-
1. To agree the following workstreams should be undertaken by the States' Assembly & Constitution Committee:
a) investigate the creation of a dedicated, independent elections body for future elections;
b) review the Reform Laws and other relevant legislation underpinning General Elections, including:
i. increasing the number of signatories on the nomination form.
ii. introducing provisions requiring the publication of candidates and parties' election expenditure.
iii. reviewing the deadline for postal vote applications.
iv. introducing Deputy Polling Station Officers and Deputy Central Returning Officers to support election administration.
v. reviewing provisions relating to the vote count and recount to ensure they meet the requirements of an electronic vote count and recount.
vi. reviewing the margin required to trigger a recount;
c) introduce proposals for a system of complaints and appeals for future elections;
d) investigate the merits of introducing disclosures by candidates/and or Deputies and consider the disqualification provision at Article 8(e) of the Reform Law;
e) review the regulation of election finance, considering the findings of the Committee on Standards in Public Life review of electoral regulation in England.
f) review communication initiatives including the feasibility of the States of Guernsey co-ordinating 'hustings-type' meetings.
g) research the feasibility of introducing i-voting for a future election.
h) undertake consultation with relevant stakeholders in order to identify, and consider how the States of Guernsey can work towards the implementation of, suitable measures for Guernsey as outlined in Articles 4 and 7 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women to Guernsey and Articles 21 and 29 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
i) increasing the information provided regarding the role of a States' Member, the States of Guernsey and the election process by the end of 2023.
The above Propositions have been submitted to Her Majesty's Procureur for advice on any legal or constitutional implications in accordance with Rule 4(1) of the Rules of Procedure of the States of Deliberation and their Committees.
