Why independent is better

Independent candidates have delivered decades of stability and prosperity to Jersey. They offer individual choice and objective opinion without having to toe a party line. We believe that independent States members who share a common commitment to governing in the best interests of all the people of Jersey are the best guarantee of continued stability and prosperity.

A healthy plurality of views

The electoral term in Jersey is effectively three years. True party politics (where there are multiple parties, more than one of which could plausibly gain enough support to form a government) presents the possibility of large scale policy swings every three years. Our continued prosperity depends to a large extent on political and economic stability, especially where competing for international financial services business is concerned. Independent politicians offer a healthy plurality of views which fosters long term stability in the government of our island. As we have seen recently, external shocks to our economy can have a very dramatic effect on future policy. We can mitigate the effects of external shocks by fostering stability internally.

Jersey's history shows that extended periods under party politics have created damaging social discontent. Jersey’s population and the States assembly are too small to support party politics without animosity and mistrust. Recent months have shown how a States chamber divided and voting along party lines can create a poisonous, destructive environment ill-suited to policy-making on behalf of all in Jersey.

For these principle reasons, Elect Jersey 2005 is working to support and inform independent candidates of integrity, ability and wisdom from all parts of the community who share a common commitment to governing in the best interests of all the people of Jersey.