Backing given to reform of laws on referenda

A referendum has never been called on the Isle of Man

Proposals to bring forward reforms to laws governing the holding of a referendum on the Isle of Man, including new rules on campaigns, have been backed by the House of Keys.

Chris Thomas said the move would address "practical issues" surrounding the purpose and conduct of the legislation, including setting the question and finances.

Concerns were raised about the Referendum Act 1979 during the continued consideration of the clauses of the Assisted Dying Bill earlier in Monday's sitting.

That debate saw Alfred Cannan's bid to have a referendum written into that legislation rejected.

Making a bid for permission to introduce a private member's bill on referenda, Mr Thomas highlighted the findings of a 2019 review of Isle of Man’s electoral legislation by former chief executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators John Turner.

The report said it was important the legislation "clearly defines the purpose of a referendum, considers whether in all cases the only options are yes or no and whether the result of the referendum is binding".

The current legislation should be revised to include provisions relating to campaigns, the distribution of campaign material, donations, expenses and supporters, the report said.

The legislation also needed to specify the types of issue a referendum could be held over, it added.

Cabinet Officer Minister Kate Lord-Brennan argued work had already been carried out by her department to "identify what needs to happen" and any changes could be incorporated within the existing legislative programme and bill.

But Mr Thomas said a separate piece of legislation would address issues identified by Mr Turner, and the proposed bill could be brought back to members within the next parliamentary year.