‘Increase number of proposers needed for election candidates’
ELECTION candidates should have to secure more support before standing when island-wide voting comes in, according to a former deputy.
Garry Collins, who represented the Vale from 2012-2016, has written to the States Assembly & Constitution Committee asking whether it had considered increasing the number of proposers required for candidates.
‘I personally believe that would ensure any candidate standing has a good following to start with and would encourage them to consider their views/mandates earlier, as they have to encourage more supporters before they stand,’ he said in explanation.
‘Currently you only require two and I have asked the committee to review perhaps increasing that given we now have island-wide elections. I have suggested maybe 20 to 50, as that would encourage candidates to consider their mandates earlier and they would have at least some supporters when standing.
‘In my view, this might help the fear that lots of people will stand last minute and encourage candidates to really consider their policies ahead of elections.’
He said there was history of this happening.
‘In the 2012 elections in the Vale, we had one candidate stand within the last few minutes as he saw the Vale was perhaps an easy hit, as finding two people [signatories] is easy,’ he said.
‘Also, in 2016, we had a candidate stand last minute then pull out the next day as he had changed his mind overnight. Candidates should really be considering their mandates well before the elections and that they are supported by at least a small group of people.’
Mr Collins supported the introduction of island-wide voting during his term in the States.
‘I am clearly delighted that Option A was chosen, having signed two requetes to bring the island-wide debate to the chamber between 2012 and 2016.
‘I know some people will struggle reading maybe 100 manifestos, but I’m grateful for the island giving me the chance as I can and I will.’
Sacc president Peter Roffey said the idea had been placed on the agenda for the next committee meeting. Speaking in a personal capacity, he said: ‘Frankly I am not convinced there would be much benefit.
‘It would be a pain for potential candidates, but I can’t see any of them failing to get the required signatures in the end.’
