Independent election observer plans given go ahead

The cost is estimated to be about £35,000

Plans for an independent observer to oversee Jersey's next general election have been given the green light.

St Helier constable Simon Crowcroft previously said he wanted the Privileges and Procedures Committee to invite observers from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) to monitor and report on the election on 7 June 2026.

The committee presented the comments to the States on 7 November and said it was "not an obligation" to invite election observers, but added it understood the benefits.

Thirty-two States members voted to adopt for the proposition on Wednesday, despite the committee estimating a cost of about £35,000.

The committee warned that if representatives did visit in 2026, the island should be prepared to act on any recommendations they made for change.

Observation missions had been made in 2018 and 2022 from which recommendations had been received.

The committee said 2026 would be the second set of elections with the Jersey Electoral Authority (JEA) in place.

"The JEA does not include any elected members and has a number of responsibilities under the elections law," it said.

"Those responsibilities include the publication of a code of conduct for election candidates and dealing with complaints from candidates."