Jersey States referendum planning 'inadequate'

There are two options for change being put forward to the public in the referendum

The handling of a referendum on electoral reform in Jersey is "inadequate" and could damage the island's reputation, a former deputy has claimed.

Daniel Wimberley said the Privileges and Procedures Committee (PPC) was "sleep-walking" into the referendum.

He said it had done nothing to limit spending and ensure it was fair.

PPC Chairman Constable Simon Crowcroft said the committee had no power in law to control spending.

Mr Wimberley also said there was also no guidance or encouragement to the media to insist on fair and balanced reporting.

He said if the referendum was seen to fail democratic standards it would damage Jersey's reputation.

Constable Crowcroft said: "I sympathise with Mr Wimberley's concerns, however, PPC can only act within the law and there is currently no legislation in place to control spending in a referendum."

On 20 February, States members voted 37-12 to hold the referendum, which sets out three questions including two options for change and one to maintain the status quo including a planned reduction in the number of senators.

Option A would see 42 deputies elected from six large voting districts.

Option B would have 30 deputies elected from six districts and 12 parish constables.

Option C would see island-wide elections for eight senators, 29 deputies from a range of constituency sizes and 12 parish constables.