Plans to publish election candidates’ attendance record at States-run training courses branded as “government interference”

Friday 03 January 2025

Fears have been expressed that undue pressure is being put on prospective election candidates because of plans to publish their attendance records at free States-run training courses.

The politician leading the proposal will now face official questions in the States chamber over the issue and concerns it amounts to government interference in the election.

Details of the training courses being promoted by the States Assembly and Constitution Committee were published last month, with attendees "strongly encouraged" to attend every session.

Deputy Chris Le Tissier is one of those who is unhappy with the attendance records proposal.

"I do not think this is a particularly good idea and many of my colleagues agree.

"Non-attendance would likely be construed negatively by the public. However, there are many reasons why a prospective candidate might miss some or all of course dates through no fault of their own. Illness, work or family commitments amongst many others. SACC is putting undue pressure on prospective candidates to attend all the courses.

"It is not the governments' role to publicise a candidate's attendance or non-attendance. Some prospective candidates have expressed concerns to me, and some have felt bullied into trying to be a SACC 'preferred' candidate.

"There should be no government interference in the election. Each candidate should be free to approach the election as they wish. I therefore posed a series of questions to SACC and Deputy Meerveld nearly three weeks ago but, despite reminders, no response has been forthcoming.

"I will therefore be submitting a series of formal Rule 11 questions shortly."

Deputy Carl Meerveld, the President of the States’ Assembly & Constitution Committee, said when the scheme was launched: “These sessions will be of huge benefit for anyone considering standing for election next year. They also play a very important role in benefiting the community, as the more incoming States Members who have a good understanding of how government operates, the better it will be for the crucial decision-making process of the States Assembly. 

“I would strongly urge anyone who is interested in standing for election, even if at this stage they are unsure whether they are going to pursue it, to attend this free course.

“We are also intending for details of attendance at each session of the course to be collected and should attendees go on to stand for election, details of their attendance will be published on their manifesto page on the election2025.gg website so that the electorate know about the preparatory work they have carried out. If they do not stand for election, their attendance details will not be published.”

Sacc said that these sessions will contain time for attendees to ask questions of the speakers, but added it was important to note that this course is designed to provide people with information about how the island’s government is structured and functions, instead of a chance for a political debate. 

There is no cost to take on the course, those who are interested are being asked to register on the States website, which you can access here. 

The full course list is as follows:

• Being a States’ Member (16th January 2025)

• How Government Works – an overview (23rd January 2025)

• How Government Works –Economy, Population & Workforce (30th January 2025)

• States Meetings at the Royal Court (6th February 2025). Session to be held in the States’ Chamber at the Royal Court between 5:45pm and 7:45pm

• How Government Works - Guernsey’s Finances (13th February 2025)

• Parliamentary Scrutiny (20th February 2025)

• Standing for Election in June 2025 - What can a candidate expect (Wednesday 26th February 2025)

Pictured top: Left, Deputy Carl Meerveld, SACC President, and Deputy Chris Le Tissier.