Guernsey Press

States resolves to make IWV referendum binding if turnout exceeds 40%

ABOUT 12,000 votes will need to be cast for the electoral system to change, after the States resolved to make the island-wide referendum binding as long as the turnout exceeds 40%.

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Sacc president Deputy Matt Fallaize. (19812448)

The States agreed earlier this year to a multi-option referendum, with five propositions ranging from full island-wide voting, the status quo and a hybrid of the two.

However, the States Assembly & Constitution Committee failed at the time to make results politically binding given a ‘reasonable’ threshold, which it yesterday succeeded in doing by 23 votes to 14.

‘The whole point is to engage the public to determine their future electoral system and they need the assurance of how the will of the people will be heard in advance of that referendum,’ said Sacc president Deputy Matt Fallaize.

‘It can only result in voter disengagement if the States are not clear and it would risk creating the impression that the referendum is just a consultative exercise, carried out at some expense, that could well be disregarded.’

Full story in today's Guernsey Press