By-election challenge is yet to be resolved

Both the incoming and outgoing presidents of the States Assembly and Constitution Committee have been keen to declare the election an overwhelming success. Not only did the voters turn up in strong numbers but the ‘right’ people were elected.

And the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association declared that ‘the Guernsey election was a successful, democratic exercise’.

There remain, however, ‘challenges’ to be worked through before the 2025 election.

It was easy after the late-night euphoria of the vote declaration to forget that much of what preceded it was disjointed and shambolic.

This included how the hustings system worked.

A scattering of privately organised meetings gave voters access to some candidates but by no means all. These were supplemented by special Q&A sessions with campaign groups looking to pressure candidates into pre-election promises which could later be useful in the Assembly.

While the huge book of manifestos and accompanying online videos was a level beyond what had been possible before there was still a sense that new non-party candidates were struggling to get their voices heard.

All of this was predicted beforehand but has yet to be resolved.

The other big question is what will happen if a by-election is required.

The expectation was that this would be because a deputy dies or suffers ill health while in service. History shows that on average at least one serving States member will not make it to the end of the four-year term.

We were reminded this week that it is also possible for the States to expel a member for breach of the Code of Conduct.

It seems unlikely, but if the States backs the independent panel and expels Deputy Chris Le Tissier there would need to be a by-election. The time remaining in this extended Assembly is simply too great.

What would a single-seat by-election cost? What enthusiasm would voters show?

States members should ignore such questions and vote with their conscience on Deputy Le Tissier.

But one day a by-election will be a real challenge.