Return of traditional hustings welcomed by SACC president

The Guernsey Press announced yesterday that it will invite every candidate to appear once to face questions without notice in front of a studio audience of voters at a series of evening hustings in the run-up to polling day on 18 June 2025.

States Assembly & Constitution Committee president Carl Meerveld said that traditional hustings would test candidates under pressure and help voters decide how to vote.

‘Hustings are a unique and traditional part of our selection process which enables the electorate to quiz and challenge candidates in a public forum,’ said Deputy Meerveld.

‘I support this initiative which the Guernsey Press is organising.

‘Any candidate serious about standing as a deputy should welcome this opportunity to present themselves to the electorate and I anticipate a very good take-up.’

Hustings held under the previous district electoral system often attracted large crowds, but at the first island-wide general election, held in 2020, voters were denied the chance to see all their candidates speaking publicly and answering questions without notice.

Guernsey Press editor James Falla said yesterday that organising hustings meetings was one part of the newspaper’s commitment to provide unrivalled coverage of next year’s general election.

Deputy Meerveld, who took part in hustings when he was first elected in St Sampson’s in 2016, believed the events could assist candidates as well as voters.

‘Part of the role of a deputy is attending public events, where they are often questioned or challenged regarding issues which members of our community face,’ he said.

‘Hustings give candidates a taste of what it is like to be a deputy and helps prepare those who are elected to this important role.’

Long-serving States member Peter Roffey identified the loss of traditional hustings as one of the drawbacks of island-wide voting for all deputies’ seats.

‘In my view, they are an absolutely crucial part of the local democratic process,’ said Deputy Roffey.

‘Seeing candidates perform under fire can be incredibly revealing, in both good and bad ways.’

The Guernsey Press will stream each hustings meeting online and allow them to be viewed until polling day to assist voters in selecting the candidates they want to vote for.

Deputy Meerveld expected the stream to be popular with voters.

‘Only a relatively small percentage of those eligible to vote can attend a hustings event,’ he said.

‘The Guernsey Press’ excellent idea to record their hustings and present them online will enable those who cannot attend a particular hustings to view the proceedings at their leisure.’

Deputy Meerveld’s committee has been directed by the States to consider significant reductions in candidates’ spending limits, which could put further restrictions on communication with voters ahead of next year’s election, and in turn make hustings meetings more important and influential in helping voters make up their minds.