Below attached is the Isle of Man’s Green party draft response to the IOM Governments consultation on Climate change. Come along tonight to the Columba Club, Circular Road, Douglas – Monday 13 May 2019, from
Synopsis of Comments to Tynwald regarding Representation
Here below is a synopsis of the comments that I submitted regarding representation at Isle of Man General Election 2016 and how this can be improved.
I enclosed a spreadsheet of the election result from September 22nd 2016, The spreadsheet covers all the results from all the constituencies in the Isle of Man. I submitted as shown in my example below the results from Rushen constituency where I stood to demonstrate total representation in Rushen.
Total votes balloted in Rushen constituency 5767 as per Manx Radio
Turnout in Rushen officially 58.2%
Leo Cussons Independent 331 5.7%
James Hampton Independent 1033 17.9%
Mark Kemp Independent 1104 19.1%
Laurence Skelly Independent 1212 Elected 21.0%
Juan Watterson Independent 2087 Elected 36.2%
Census 2016 give the total number of residents at 6,977
Total number of resident registered voters 5767
Difference of 1210
That lowers the turn out to 45.47%
From the turnout, two candidates were elected with 57.2% of the vote
That means that 42.8% of people that voted are not represented in any form
Most worrying is that from the total number of residents in Rushen only 26.03% (57.25% of 45.47%) are represented. This clearly is not very effective form of representation.
In the short term, I propose that voting should be made compulsory as the sheer cost of elections makes them ineffective if they are not used by all residents. This would also mean that everyone is involved in society. There are many places in the world where this has proven to be successful. Australia is a good example of this.
Secondly, we need to move some sort of proportional representation where all candidates are members of political parties. The total vote in the Isle of Man for each party secures the number of seats in Tynwald. This way you a have a true representation of all the people in the Isle of Man and their will.
Last Thoughts Before Election Day
So as we enter the last few days, here are some of thoughts about the election and the future. For our political system to work the playing field has to be level, not just for business but on a personal level too. If it is level, people will join in, and this in itself is the road to a stronger, united future. The next five years – whatever happens after the 22nd – are going to be difficult. We are going to see an unprecedented rate of change as we try to balance our economy with the budget and with the changes in the larger world economy. Direct Democracy has a part in this whereby the public can vote on matters and direction that they find important and especially when we have to make the hard decisions.
Lastly, I wholly respect the responsibility that will come if I am elected to represent you in the House of Keys. I know that there has been widespread dissatisfaction with the ways in which the last administration appeared to lose touch with that. Please be assured that I will strive to remain engaged with the public and people’s needs throughout my term. With your support I Iook forward to being able to contribute to a new government that is committed to changing things for the better, and putting people at the centre of that change. Vote yes, Vote change, Vote Leo.
Advance Votes now being taken
If you are away on Election day please complete the advance vote form below.
Once the form is received by the returning office below, a ballot paper will be issued, so you can vote. Please bring ID
Please note however that anyone wishing to cast an advance vote on Friday will require to have submitted a signed, completed application form to this office by close of business on Thursday. The certifying officer in Port Erin on Friday morning will not be in a position to process applications which have not been made by the end of Thursday i.e. voters cannot just ‘turn up’ without having first applied for an Advance Vote.
The last day for receipt of applications for Advance Votes to be taken in the Isle of Man is Friday so, even if they intend to vote the following week, I must have their applications by close of business on the 16th or they will be refused pursuant to the Regulations.
The period during which applications for Advance Votes to be taken outside the Isle of Man must be received closed on Monday 12th September.
Postal Votes can also be arranged at Port Erin Commissioners
Friday 16th 10am – 12 noon and Tuesday 20th 9.30am – 12.30pm.
Or by contacting:
Mark Humphrey
Returning Officer
Constituency of Rushen
The Old Courthouse
Athol Street
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM1 1LD
Tel: + 44 (0)1624 651951
Fax: + 44 (0)1624 651950