Observers may suggest political group law changes

Independent observers of Jersey's 2026 election may recommend law changes to ensure greater clarity over spending rules for political movements.

Announcing initial conclusions, Gary Clueit, from the Election Observation Mission, said there should be "a level playing field" for political movements and registered political parties.

This year, six candidates were elected that endorsed a new political movement, Value Jersey. It has defended itself against criticism about a perceived lack of financial transparency.

The Jersey Electoral Authority (JEA), a separate body, has also indicated it would recommend changes to the law, which were likely to include "matters relating to political movements".

"If political parties have certain reporting responsibilities and spending limits and things, those should be across the board - it shouldn't be a matter of what you call yourself," said Clueit.

"They ought to be looking at limits on things and on campaign behaviour.

"And I think there is an intention to look at that regardless of whether we make a recommendation - our recommendations may reinforce some of that."

Value Jersey declined the BBC's request for an interview.

The 2026 election saw a number of changes to Jersey's electoral system, including the return of senators, the introduction of automatic voter registration and the move to hold the poll on a Sunday.

Despite concerns, law changes formally bringing back the island-wide mandate were made less than a year before the election, while the system automatically enlisting eligible islanders to the electoral register went live within three months of polling day.

In a statement, the Election Observation Mission said that these changes had "generated challenges, including undue pressures on the electoral administration".

It added that "a lack of time to test the system" had meant that some voters were omitted from the automatic voter registration list, although polling staff had subsequently made "every effort to identify voters in other ways and give them a ballot paper".

Clueit said: "It was a baptism of fire.

"Leaving things of such consequence to the last minute could be a recipe for disaster, but, you know, the gods smiled down on Jersey."

The observers had not seen anybody turned away from the polls, while voters who arrived at the wrong polling station were sent by officials to the correct location, he added.

"I sincerely thank the election organisers at all levels for their open engagement, and their willingness to assist and support us throughout.

"I am impressed by the dedication and goodwill amongst the various organisers of the election and the numerous volunteers which have led to a well-organised and smooth event."

Clueit said observers would spend the coming weeks analysing the data they had gathered.

A preliminary report was due to be made available "soon", while full findings, based on conversations with stakeholders including candidates, parties, election officials, parishes and voters, were due to be delivered "in three months".

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