'Jersey test' for non-British election hopefuls rejected

Thursday 11 February 2021

A Deputy has pledged to “search for a way to open the door” to politics to more island residents after her proposal to create a ‘Jersey test’ for non-British election hopefuls was unsuccessful.

Put to a vote earlier today, Deputy Inna Gardiner’s proposal secured 22 votes in favour, and 22 against, meaning that it was officially rejected.

The St. Helier representative had suggested that instead of applying for British citizenship, non-British residents wishing to stand for election should be allowed to take a test on life in Jersey to prove they are eligible.

Under her plans, instead of citizenship, eligibility for election would be determined by a process split into two sections:

• A test detailing the history of the island and its customs
• A ‘swearing in’ ceremony in the Royal Court

The key source of information for the test would come from the Jersey supplement of the ‘Life in the United Kingdom’ test for British citizenship, but added that additional approaches could also be taken in developing the test. 

However, a majority of States Members did not agree with the idea, so it was rejected.

Deputy Gardiner said after the vote: “I will continue to search for a way to open the door of our assembly to everyone, which will get enough support  and consensus to be passed by majority of our Members.”

It was 22:22 vote. I will continue to search for a way to open the door of our assembly to everyone, which will get enough support and consensus to be passed by majority of our Members. https://t.co/GAgbVu7ThV

— Inna Gardiner (@innagardiner) February 11, 2021

In September, the States Assembly also voted against allowing non-British citizens to stand for election, instead voting in a five-year requirement and a need for those standing to hold ‘entitled to work’ status.