The election countdown is on...

Tuesday 22 October 2024

The first major campaign of the 2025 election launches today - as Women in Public Life starts work to encourage more women to stand as candidates.

Next June will see Guernsey's second island wide poll to elect 38 deputies. They, along with two representatives for the States of Alderney will form the States of Deliberation for the following four years.

The campaign group, Women in Public Life, says with just eight months to go, its members will be stepping up efforts to "inspire and support more women to stand".

Using the #WomenStandGsy, the campaign will focus on the positives of being a States member, based on testimonials given by three women who were first elected to the States in 2020.

Pictured (l-r): Deputy Sue Aldwell, Deputy Tina Bury and Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller.

Chair of Women in Public Life, Shelaine Green fervently believes that more women should stand for public office.

"Yes, your skills are important in decision making, but you also bring your life experience and your personal values to the table – that's why representation is so important," she said. "Currently only eight of the 38 Deputies in the States are women and this doesn’t reflect our population at all.

"If a woman stands for election she has just as much chance of success as a man. Guernsey simply needs more women to put themselves forward in the first place and our aim is to encourage that.

"If you’re a woman thinking of standing in June 2025, talk to us. We can help you think through whether it’s right for you and help you get up to speed on current issues, understand the election process and plan your campaign. And give you moral support – your island needs you."

The #WomenStandGsy campaign is using videos shared to social media to highlight the work of current female deputies.

"We are making decisions that could affect my children, your children, their grandchildren for years and decades to come," explained Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller. "We really need passionate islanders who want to make a di9erence to our community to stand for election."

Deputy Tina Bury said one positive of being a Deputy is that you get to help people.

"Understanding what’s going on in all the nook and crannies of your home is really enlightening," she said.

Deputy Sue Aldwell said: "I have access to all kinds of wonderful people that work in our community. I would say that there was no other job like it. The door is open. Stand."

Pictured: The States Assembly and Constitution Committee (led by Deputy Carl Meerveld) has published plans for the 2025 election.

Women in Public Life says as well as encouraging women to stand for election, it intends to help prospective candidates with online election resources and in-person training sessions in the new year.

"One of the keys to more women considering standing is high quality, accessible information," said Ms Green. "Women want to know exactly what’s involved and to feel fully prepared to campaign effectively."

Women in Public Life also wants to inspire people who don’t want to stand themselves but are keen to volunteer to support women considering putting themselves forward, said Ms Green.

"Offering your support to a woman who is considering standing is a fantastic way to play your part in encouraging more balance in the States. There are all sorts of ways you could help. You could check her draft manifesto for typos, or help her practice answering hustings questions, or do something to free up her time so she can concentrate on planning her campaign. All the resources and training we’ve put together will also be useful to volunteers too."

More information about the #WomenStandGsy campaign and the practical support available can be found at womeninpubliclife.gg.

Information for all candidates is available at election2025.gg.