Plans published for Guernsey's first island-wide by-election

Guernsey voters could go to the polls on Wednesday 29 April if the States agree and the by-election could cost £75,000.

The States’ Assembly & Constitution Committee (SACC) has published a series of recommendations for Guernsey's first island-wide by-election.

It says filling the seat, left vacant by convicted paedophile Jonathan Le Tocq, needs to be done in a way that "keeps costs to a minimum while ensuring a fair process for candidates."

It is predicting a total spend of £75,000.

At the end of February States meeting, deputies will be asked to agree to:

- A by-election that takes place on 29 April 2026
- A 10 April deadline for postal voting applications
- Expenditure limits for candidates to be the same as the General Election (£3,000)
- Beau Sejour to be the main polling station with two others identified following discussions with the parishes
- Candidates’ manifestos to be published on the election website
- No candidate manifesto booklet

SACC President Deputy Sarah Hansmann Rouxel says they are committed to reducing costs where possible.

"Our committee has sought to develop proposals for the by-election that are efficient, proportionate, and keep costs to a minimum while ensuring a fair process for candidates.

"This will be the first by-election to take place under the island-wide voting system.

"As the electorate has now experienced two island-wide General Elections, the committee is keen to ensure that the voting experience is very similar, while recognising that some elements of General Elections will not be needed for a by-election.

"The States will once more provide candidates with the opportunity to put their manifestos, videos and other details online via a dedicated election website, and the committee anticipates that the local media will provide significant coverage, as they did in June last year.

"As such – and in line with our commitment to reduce costs wherever possible - the committee concluded that it will not be necessary to produce and post a manifesto booklet to all households where someone is registered on the Electoral Roll.

"This represents a considerable saving.

"Candidates will of course be free to produce some printed copies of their manifesto to make available to any voters expressing a preference for a printed copy."