Women in Public Life has launched a Jurat Election Information Hub to help make the process of selecting a Jurat of the Royal Court more accessible to the public and to encourage more Islanders to consider standing for election in the future.
The States of Election meets at 9.30pm on Wednesday 24th March 2021 to hold the election that was postponed in January due to lockdown. The successful candidate will replace Jurat David Grut who has retired. The candidates are Anne Setters, Clare Burton, Heather Reed and Mark Dorey.
Islanders can use the Information Hub to find out about the backgrounds of the candidates and plan how to listen in to the election on the day. There is also a guide to the election process which explains who the 101 members of the States of Election are and how they select a new Jurat.
Shelaine Green, Chair of Women in Public Life said: “Jurat elections hold great significance for the Island. Deputies are only elected for a four-year term whereas Jurats may stay in post until the age of 72. Being elected as a Jurat is the highest honour Guernsey can bestow on one of its residents.
“Since the launch of Women in Public Life last year, we’ve provided detailed information about the role of Jurat on our website as part of our mission to inspire and support the women of Guernsey to stand for public office. But we’ve noticed the information is also being used by people generally – Guernsey folk are understandably curious about how our unusual and historic jury system works.
“When we saw a Jurat election coming up earlier this year, we contacted the candidates to ask about their backgrounds. With their kind assistance, their biographies and CVs are now up on our website. We’ve also included an explanation of how the States of Election goes about making its choice.
“Even though the public doesn’t elect Jurats directly, we hope the Information Hub will help Islanders feel more involved in the important decision that will be made on 24 March – and perhaps consider standing themselves one day”.
