September 2006 Sark electoral system referendum

Politics of Sark

A referendum on the composition of the Chief Pleas was held in Sark between 16 August and 6 September 2006,[1] following an informal referendum in February.[2] Voters were given the choice of having all 28 seats elected, or to have 12 seats for Deputies, eight for tenants and eight elected by everyone.[1]

Background

On 8 March 2006 the Chief Pleas voted to reduce the number of seats from 52 to 28.[3] The proposed system at the time was for 14 seats to be reserved for landowners and 14 elected by the general population.[3] However, in April the Seigneur Michael Beaumont warned the Pleas that this may not be approved by the Privy Council.[4] In July three options were put forward; electing all 28 members by universal suffrage; having 16 members elected by the general public and 16 elected by tenants, and having 16 tenants and 16 general members all elected by universal suffrage.[5] A meeting held on 6 July was unable to make a decision due to disagreements on whether to hold a consultative referendum.[5] However, the referendum was agreed to on 9 August.[6]

The Pleas determined that voter turnout must be at least 60% and that a winning option must receive 54.5% of the vote.[1]

Results

Which of the following options for the composition of the Cheaf Pleas would you prefer:

[A] 28 Open Seats

[B] 12 Seats for Deputies, 8 Seats for Tenants, 8 Open Seats

Choice Votes %
Option A 234 55.98
Option B 184 44.02
Invalid/blank votes 1 –
Total 419 100
Registered voters/turnout 468 89.52
Source: Direct Democracy

References

  1. ^ a b c Sark (Channel Islands), 6 September 2006: Composition of Parliament Direct Democracy (in German)
  2. ^ Sark (Channel Islands), 23 February 2006: Composition of Parliament Direct Democracy (in German)
  3. ^ a b Island cuts back feudal influence BBC News, 8 March 2006
  4. ^ Setback over Sark's constitution BBC News, 20 April 2006
  5. ^ a b Meeting fails to pick reform plan BBC News, 6 July 2006
  6. ^ Islanders to have say on reforms BBC News, 10 August 2006
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