‘Unique’ Jersey election subject of new research

The researchers said they had made recommendations on low voter turnout in Jersey

Researchers have published what they have said is the first study of a general election in Jersey.

Chris Pich and John Reardon claimed the June 2022 election was "unique" and worthy of international attention.

The pair interviewed a number of island politicians, candidates and voters.

The election saw the abolition of island-wide senators, and the emergence of political parties on a significant scale, in a system traditionally dominated by independent candidates.

It also saw the largest-ever number of female deputies elected to the States Assembly, plus the election of Jersey's first ethnic minority deputy and, ultimately, the selection of Kristina Moore as the island's first female chief minister.

Dr Pich, a senior lecturer in marketing at Nottingham Trent University, said that Jersey was of considerable interest to researchers.

"The three Crown dependencies [Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man] are a surprisingly under-researched political system within the British Isles," he said.

"Jersey is a fascinating case study that highlights the impact of profound changes in governance, not least when it comes to the emergence of political parties.

"It's unusual for a territory the size of Jersey not to have a developed party system."

Low turnout

The report also noted the unusually low voter turnout in a small jurisdiction.

Dr Pich has made recommendations regarding the low turnout to the States, which are expected to be published in full in January.

Mr Reardon, a secondary school teacher in Scotland, added: "We're very grateful to the many people who so generously gave of their time to help us understand the significant changes that have taken place in Jersey's political system in recent years."

They said they planned to publish further aspects of the research "in the months ahead".

The paper has been published in the Small States and Territories Journal produced by the University of Malta.

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