Islanders back election reforms

[lucy]

Sark's 450 residents were asked if they want the island's 16th Century system of government scrapped or adapted.

The governing body, the Chief Pleas, held the ballot after failing to decide on reforms and said they would consider the result if there was a 20% majority.

The poll found 50 people more - a 27% majority - favoured change, with 184 people wanting the current system.

A total of 418 valid results were counted, with 234 people voting for reforms.

The Channel Island of Sark has to change its laws to comply with European human rights legislation.

Owners of the island's 40 tenements (divisions of land) currently have an automatic seat in government and islanders choose 12 people's deputies.

The Chief Pleas now has to consider the matter.

[Bob]

Four hundred and eighteen people out of a possible 450 taking the time and effort to cast their vote is impressive - by anyone's standards.

The people of Sark have now shown a significant preference for a fully democratic and transparantly simple method of choosing their future governments. If Chief Pleas adopt the popular option 'A' then future Sark governments will be elected from the people who are willing to serve - regardless of whether or not they own a freehold.

I believe the majority of those of us fortunate to live on this beautiful island care deeply about keeping it special and preserving the safe and peaceful way of life that we enjoy. Because of that I am confident the future of Sark will be in safe hands.

The new approach will free some land owners who do not want to serve or who are away from the island much of the time - but I sincerely hope some landowners will stand for election - and get elected.

The one concern that I have is that enough candidates will stand - but judging by the enthusiastic support shown I somehow don't think that will be a problem.