Election process was remarkable, observers say

Guernsey's general election had "no major faults", which was impressive given recent changes to the way islanders vote, according to independent observers.

The British Islands and Mediterranean Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association made the finding in its preliminary election observation report.

Alvina Reynolds, President of the Senate of St Lucia, one of the observers, said: "While no election is perfect, this one had no major faults – remarkable for a state that has only recently undergone a major change in the way it votes."

Voters backed the move to elect politicians from an entire island constituency, rather than the previous district system, at a referendum in 2018.

The association, which also included parliamentarians from Montserrat and Scotland, visited each of the island's eight polling stations.

It was the first in-person, island-wide election observation mission in Guernsey's history.

Reynolds said: "Coming from another island state, it has been fascinating to observe the democratic process in Guernsey.

"I have been overwhelmed by the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers across the island.

"They should take great pride in the work they did to ensure a smooth, efficient and calm process for voters across the island."

The preliminary report commended Guernsey on its "notable progress in fostering a more inclusive and representative political environment".

It noted the number of women candidates hit a record high of 33% of total candidates this election and the observers praised the multiple opportunities voters were given a cast their ballot.

Two advanced polling days were organised in addition to postal voting and polling day.

However, the report drew attention to declining voter registration, with 52% of eligible voters registered before the election, the lowest since 2020.

The full report, which will delve further and make recommendations to strengthen Guernsey's democratic process, will be published in two months, said the association.

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