Comment: Jersey, it's party-time!

Monday 09 October 2017

In the next of Express' monthly columns, Andy Jehan looks ahead to next year's General Election and puts forward his case for party politics, saying it's nothing new in the island and would encourage more voters to come forward.

"With just over 200 days to go before the 2018 General Election, it is clear to see people starting to jockey for position.

Approximately a third of current States members have confirmed their intention to stand again, whilst others - who I expect, fully intend to stand - will play the normal game of saying they haven't made their mind up in an attempt to gauge public opinion about their chances of re-election.

This has been the same for many years, independent candidates often elected on their like-ability rather than on any detailed and costed policies.

Imagine a scenario of groups of like minded people standing on a common platform? This could be Parties or Alliances, but would be open and transparent groupings. Groups who have declared that they are prepared to work together to achieve change for the benefit of the Island, as opposed to what has been the norm in recent elections.

The Reform party have in recent years been criticised, with many saying that Jersey isn't ready for Party politics. However those with a knowledge of Jersey political history can tell you that party politics is not a new phenomenon for the Island. In fact there were political parties in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. At times the debate was very heated but the participation was high. Now people I speak to don't bother to vote because they don't feel that they can influence policy.

There is a certain quaintness to having 49, or 46 as it is "independent" members, but ask yourself how practical is it? Having told the electorate of their plans at election time, it is very difficult as an individual to get enough support from their colleagues to make change.

When policies are brought forward it is often a case of who is bringing the proposal, rather than the substance of the argument. I have heard many times politicians say privately I can't support this because X is proposing it.

This is not always good for Jersey. Debates should be won and lost based on what is best for Jersey. Groups of people standing on the same platform would give the electorate real choice at the ballot box and therefore real democracy.

Pooling resources to enable well thought out policies and a vision for the Island to be shared ahead of the election. Having policies that are costed out and achievable is what we should all be demanding from our election candidates, rather than being told they are really nice people and a few sound bites.

I for one am truly hopeful that we see a return to party politics, people who have similar aims and objectives openly working together and hopefully in time for the 2018 election. I am confident if we do, then we will see better candidates, better choice and what we all should hope for a better turnout of the electorate.

Remember elections shouldn't be a spectator sport we should all participate, be that in helping to formulate policy and involvement in campaigns but most importantly going to the Polls and voting.

Voting for a candidate and knowing their allegiances before they take their seats in the Assembly would strengthen democracy. I for one think that it is Party time for Jersey."