Jersey voting reform plan is rejected

Attempts to change Jersey's voting system have been rejected by politicians.

After a day and a half of debate, proposals for reform by Senator Philip Ozouf were rejected, with 27 votes against and 20 in favour.

Senator Ozouf wanted to introduce reforms similar to those rejected in July 2013, based on the outcome of a referendum in April 2013.

It would have seen a change to large voting districts.

In April 2013, Jersey voters backed plans to do away with the role of senator, while electing 30 deputies in six large districts, along with 12 connétables.

However, the result was not binding on the States, which rejected the public's choice in July.

Senator Ozouf's change would have seen 12 parish constables, six large voting districts with a number of deputies in each, with two more from St Helier than proposed in the referendum, as well as an end to the role of senator.

Politicians had previously agreed to hold a second referendum on reform on election day in October. Senator Ozouf said that should not stop other reforms being introduced.

He said his change would have helped to pave the way for future Assemblies to continue to reform the system.

Currently, 10 senators are elected on an island-wide basis, while the 12 parishes choose one connétable each and a further 29 deputies between them.