Next election could have independent observers

The Privileges and Procedures Committee said a proposal to reverse plans not to have observers at 2026's vote could be implemented

Observers could be used at Jersey's next general election - but recommendations they make might be disregarded, a panel has said.

The Privileges and Procedures Committee (PPC) said it was prepared to implement a proposal from St Helier constable Simon Crowcroft to reverse a decision made in April not to have independent observers at the vote on 7 June 2026.

Crowcroft had raised concerns about the planned lack of observers as he felt they would provide an "informed, expert and independent view".

A response from PPC said it would be willing to have observers if States Assembly members wanted them, but it was no guarantee recommendations made by the group would be followed.

PPC said: "In 2022 the observation mission stated that 'substantive amendments to the election law should be adopted well in advance of the next election and never less than a year before'.

"The current assembly did not follow that recommendation.

"It is therefore entirely possible that future assemblies will take a similar approach to the recommendations of any observation mission in 2026."

PPC said it was not an obligation to invite observers to election and next year's vote would have independent oversight from the Jersey Electoral Authority.

It added the cost of having observers at the election was estimated to be £35,000.

"The preparation of the 2026 budget for the States Assembly did not take into account this expenditure," PPC said.

"However, PPC would endeavour to manage any outlay within the assembly's existing head of expenditure for the year."

In his proposition, Crowcroft said it was important to have independent observers given a deputy in each district was being replaced with a senator elected on an island-wide basis.