Call for independent election observers to return

Simon Crowcroft, constable of St Helier, said the purpose of his proposition was "to ensure that such a peer review of our electoral system takes place"

A proposal to reverse plans not to have independent observers oversee next year's Jersey general election has been put forward.

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

He said it was concerning no plans to invite observers to provide an "informed, expert and independent view" of the election had been made.

PCC chairman deputy Steve Ahier said the committee was not obliged to invite observers but would "revisit the matter" in light of the proposition.

Crowcroft said the cost for election observers in the 2022 election was about £27,000, but anticipated the future cost would be higher due to inflation.

He said it was important to have independent observers given a deputy in each district was being replaced with a senator, who will be elected on an island-wide basis in 2026.

Crowcroft said some members tried to amend the initial proposal to protect voter equality and representative democracy, but their efforts were narrowly defeated.

"[It] showed that there is a surprising lack of understanding in some quarters as to what makes a parliament fair and legitimate," he said.

Ahier said next year's vote would be the second to happen with the Jersey Electoral Authority in place.

He said a decision not to have CPA at the election had been taken by the previous PPC committee in April based on "budgetary implications" of inviting observers in 2026.

"PPC decided that the next observation mission should therefore be invited for the 2030 elections," he said.

"However, in light of the constable's proposition, the current PPC will revisit this matter."