Guernsey’s political parties currently operate under a framework with minimal regulations on financing and operations, a situation that officials say leaves a significant gap in governance. The States Assembly & Constitution Committee has identified this as a pressing issue, aiming to implement stronger controls during the current political term. However, any changes are unlikely to be in place for next month’s by-election.

Push for Clarity in Party Financing

According to Sacc president Sarah Hansmann Rouxel, the lack of regulations on political parties, campaign finance, and related organizations is a major concern. ‘We are very cognisant of a massive gap in how we deal with political parties – the regulations, campaign finance, political bodies – and it is absolutely on our radar,’ she said.

Deputy Andy Sloan, who raised the issue during a recent States debate, emphasized the need for transparency. He stated that if Sacc does not produce proposals within a year, he would consider leading the effort himself. ‘I think it would go some way to restoring trust and confidence in politics if that work was done over the next 12 months,’ he said.

Sloan noted that the current rules provide no transparency about who has donated to a party. ‘I have nothing against political parties, but their funding has got to be clear and transparent,’ he added.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

In the 2020 general election, three parties fielded candidates: the Partnership of Independents, the Guernsey Party, and the Alliance Party. However, all of these parties disbanded during the last States term. Forward Guernsey, led by Deputy Gavin St Pier, was the only party to field candidates in the 2025 general election, winning three seats. It remains the only party currently registered with the Greffe.

Forward Guernsey’s candidates ran on a manifesto developed by an external organization, Future Guernsey, after the States imposed late changes that significantly reduced spending limits on parties. ‘The average person knows the rules were unsatisfactory and that certain parties sailed close to the wind,’ said Deputy Sloan.

Sloan added, ‘You could say life isn’t fair, but where there is unfairness and you can do something about it you should do something about it, and we can do something about the current rules which are unfair to voters and candidates.’

Report Highlights Concerns and Next Steps

A recent report debated by the Assembly highlighted concerns that some independent candidates had informed election observers from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association that Forward Guernsey had ‘gained an advantage from its links with and support from an associated think tank.’ The report also pointed out that the Reform Law currently forbids a candidate’s election campaign from being financially supported by anyone else.

The States agreed to two recommendations from Sacc: considering how complaints and appeals are handled as part of the creation of a new independent organization to oversee elections, and exploring ways to increase youth engagement in elections and local politics.

Despite the absence of specific proposals on political parties or campaign finance, Hansmann Rouxel emphasized that the committee remains committed to addressing these issues before the island’s next general election in 2029.

The push for more transparency expected from political parties in Guernsey by 2029 is not just about governance but also about restoring public trust. As the island moves toward that date, the role of political transparency will be critical in shaping the future of local democracy.