On Thursday 20 March 2025, the States Assembly approved a proposal to re-instate the role of Senator by 25 votes to 20. Changes to the law need to be made and enacted in time for this to take effect for the 2026 Election.
The changes agreed are for nine Senators voted for on an Island-wide basis, with one Deputy being removed from each of the nine existing constituencies. The 12 Parish Constable seats remain unchanged.
The Law to re-instate Senators will be written by the Legislative Drafting Office. Once completed, the Law will be brought before the States Assembly, by the Privileges and Procedures Committee, for debate and final approval. Members will be entitled to bring amendments to the Law, also for debate by the Assembly.
If approved by Members, the Law will be sent to the Privy Council for sign-off and will return to the Assembly for an Appointed Day Act to set a date on which the Law would come into effect.
The Assembly is due to reconvene next week (1 April) where the date for the 2026 Election is expected to be set. The Privileges and Procedures Committee has lodged a proposition that the Election be held on 7 June 2026, at which all 49 seats will be decided. An amendment to the Draft Elections (Appointed Day) Act is requesting an alternative Election date of Sunday 26 April 2026.