Opinion survey on States reform to be undertaken

27 June 2006

People in Jersey are to be asked their views on the reasons for low turnouts in elections and on possible reforms to the current composition of the States. The Privileges and Procedures Committee has engaged MORI to undertake the survey work and Islanders selected at random will be contacted by telephone in late July.

The Privileges and Procedures Committee intends to bring forward proposals for reform later this year but wants to involve the public in agreeing what changes should be made to encourage more people to vote. Committee Chairman Connétable Derek Gray said “PPC is conscious that there are many wide-ranging opinions on the best way to reform the current composition of the States and to improve voter turnout. We do not think it is feasible to propose changes without a clear understanding of the public’s views on these issues and, for that reason, we have engaged MORI to undertake this work on our behalf. We are hopeful that members of the States will be able to put aside any personal opinions on these issues when discussing proposals and agree a reform package that will be in the best interests of the Island as a whole”.

The Privileges and Procedures Committee will receive the results of the MORI survey in early September and proposes, at that stage, to formulate detailed proposals for change. The Committee is hoping to lodge proposals for debate no later than November and it is likely that, if approved in principle by the States, these will be subject to a referendum before they are implemented.

For further information or interviews please contact Connétable Derek Gray, Chairman, on 855064 or e-mail d.gray@gov.je