A changing political landscape : the 2022 general election in Jersey

Abstract

This paper analyses the general election held on 22nd June 2022 in the Bailiwick of Jersey, a British Crown Dependency and the largest of the Channel Islands with a population of 107,800. This election is notable for two reasons. First, the new electoral system entailed the abolition of island-wide senators and the election of thirty-seven deputies elected across nine districts using the multiple non-transferable vote (or ‘bloc vote’) variant of the ‘first past the post’ system, and one connetable (the elected head of the parish) from each of the island’s twelve parishes, to the States Assembly. Second, in a system traditionally dominated by independent candidates, this election saw the appearance of political parties on a significant scale, giving voters distinct left and right blocs to choose from for the first time. This paper uses material obtained by interviews with those closely involved in this election, supported by an analysis of additional content-material such as news articles, published reports and campaign manifestos. Finally, this paper discusses Jersey’s unique system of government and traces the context within which the election occurred. It concludes by reflecting on the brand positioning of each of the island’s political parties, considers the prospects for an emerging party system and draws out governance and political implications for Jersey in the years ahead.