Election Date: April 23, 2008

Abstract: At stake: States of Deliberation

At stake: States of Deliberation

Background

The island of Guernsey and other Channel Islands—including Alderney, Sark and Herm—were once part of the Dukedom of Normandy, alternating between French and English control during medieval times. The islands, now a dependency of the Crown, were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II.

People in Guernsey suffered greatly during the War. The islands became a massive German fortress. Before the land was occupied, many children were sent to England to stay with relatives or foster families. Many of them were never reunited with their families. Some residents of Guernsey were also deported to concentration camps in Germany.

Britain is constitutionally responsible for Guernsey’s defence and international representation. Close to 65,500 people currently live in Guernsey. There are three official languages—English, French and Dgernesiais. The capital of this island is St. Peter Port, which is also the main port of Guernsey.

In 2000, a major inquiry was launched in order to revise Guernsey’s 19th Century-style administration. The Harwood report recommended scrapping the committee-based system of government of the States and introducing a modern, cabinet-style scheme.

Guernsey’s political structure went through a complete transformation after the 2004 election. The system of 43 committees to oversee the government was substituted by nine departments, four committees, a treasury and a policy council. A chief minister became the country’s top authority in matters of external affairs. The changes had been approved in May 2002.

A total of 45 legislators were elected out of 82 non-partisan candidates in April 2004. In May, the States of Deliberation chose Laurie Morgan as chief minister. Morgan received 26 votes from lawmakers, while Bernard Flouquet got 19 ballots.

Click Here for Guernsey’s 2004 Election Tracker 

In August 2006, the Fallagate corruption scandal broke out in Guernsey. The government opened a contract to extend a hospital in St. Andrew. The most competitive tender for the work was issued by a company headed by Stuart Falla, a recently elected member of the States of Deliberation that had been recently elected. Falla—a successful developer—was eventually pressured to withdraw his bid, and the government was ultimately forced to authorize a more expensive proposal.

The scandal prompted a major political crisis. It also led to many analyzes into whether cases like this could be avoidable in a small country where most politicians are also well-known businesspeople.

An inquiry was launched, and the results criticized chief minister Laurie Morgan and other senior deputies over the way the affair was handled.

In February 2007, Morgan and all of his cabinet resigned en masse. On Mar. 5, the States of Deliberation elected Mike Torode to replace Morgan. Torode’s term is due to expire in April 2008. He has been a member of the States of Deliberation since 1982.

2008 States of Deliberation Election

In 2008, at least four members of the Policy Council will be stepping down. Chief minister Mike Torode has announced he will not stand for re-election. Joining him are health and social services minister Peter Roffey, education minister Martin Ozanne, and public services minister Bill Bell.

Other current lawmakers not seeking re-election include former chief minister Laurie Morgan, deputy treasury and resources minister Jonathan Le Tocq, and Duncan Staples, the youngest deputy in the current House.

Over 33,200 people have registered to vote—a 10 per cent increase since the last election.

Voting took place on Apr. 23. Torode discussed his views on the democratic process, saying, “Use your vote in a positive way, not a negative one.”

In all, 19 of the 45 members of the State of Deliberation will sit on the legislature for the first time. Treasury minister Lyndon Trott and housing minister Dave Jones won their respective seats, but with a lower number of votes than in the 2004 ballot. Turnout was tabled at 40.6 per cent.

On May 1, Trott became chief minister, garnering 27 votes in the sixth and final ballot.

Political Players

Queen: Elizabeth II
Lieutenant-Governor: Sir Fabian Malbon
Bailiff: Geoffrey Roland
Chief Minister: Lyndon Trott

The chief minister is chosen by the States of Deliberation.

Legislative Branch: The Guernsey States of Deliberation have 59 members; 45 members are elected in six multi-seat and four single-seat constituencies, 10 members represent the parish authorities, two members are elected by the States of Alderney, plus the bailiff and the deputy bailiff.

Results of Last Election:

Guernsey States of Deliberation - Apr. 23, 2008

45 non-partisan members were elected.

 

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