Why extra year for current Assembly?
‘THIS was a decision of the States of Deliberation.’ This was the reply, as reported in the Guernsey Press, given by Deputy St Pier to Deputy de Lisle’s question asking him under what authority the States had extended its term of office for another year.
So with that vote in favour of the Le Tocq/Brouard amendment, democracy in Guernsey is suspended for a year.
But it still makes you wonder, why a year? Especially when other options were put forward. Deputies, after all, are expected be the guardians of democracy, seeking an election as soon as possible after their allotted term of office ends, rather than increasing their term of employment for as long as possible.
I also wonder why no amendment was put forward to regularly review the situation within that period e.g. every three months or so. Maybe someone will raise this at a future States meeting.
Deputies are now in a position of sitting without an electoral mandate. Nor can they claim as the imperial Chinese did that they have the ‘Mandate of Heaven’. They sit because they have decided to sit. Their mandate was for a term of four years, this was their contract with the electorate. We find ourselves in a situation with a caretaker government with an extended term of office sitting for one purpose and one purpose only, to see us safely through this crisis.
This being the case, I would hope that deputies will restrict themselves only to matters required for the safe and smooth running of the island until democracy is restored with an election. They should (and I believe many would say must) refrain from using this extension to further any pet projects or policies. Nor should they propose any new regulations or legislation during this period (unless essential in the managing of the current crisis or for unforeseen emergencies). By what mandate could they do this? To do so would be no less than an abuse of power.
Democracy has been hard won by our forefathers and an election should not be lightly regarded. The selection of our representatives is a weighty choice that affects all of us. As they say, you get what you deserve, so I would urge all islanders to bear this in mind and ensure that, when it is reopened, they are on the electoral roll. Remember, you only have a say in your future if you are enrolled.
Don’t get me wrong, I too believe that this year’s election had to be postponed. In view of the current crisis and whatever the legality, it was the only sensible decision. Even if an election could have been held, I for one prefer to see the island continue to be governed by those with relationships and experience that have been built up over the last four years rather than an inexperienced House.
Rather, I would draw your attention to the fact of how fragile is our democracy. Those in power have voted to extend their term of office without recourse to the electorate. No violence, no revolution, just a vote. An extension for one year without the obligation to review. Gives one pause for thought, does it not? I realise that there was little option. And I for one fully support and am thankful for the work being done at this time on our behalf.
Lastly, I would like to express my thanks and admiration for all those in government, all those behind the scenes and all essential workers for their efforts during this period of crisis.
Guernsey Together.
JOHN GILLSON
Les Tagarins,
Route des Bas Courtils,
St Saviour’s,
GY7 9YD.