Guernsey has a long and distinctive democratic tradition, with roots reaching back to the 13th century.
Over the centuries, the Island's political system has evolved into a modern representative democracy, uniquely shaped by its history and community values.
A long standing independent legislature
The States of Guernsey has functioned as an independent legislature for centuries, creating laws and providing a platform for the expression of the Island's will. The name “States of Deliberation” was adopted in the 1770s, reflecting its formal role as Guernsey’s Parliament.
The birth of parliamentary democracy
Modern democratic features were introduced in 1899, when nine elected Deputies were added to the States of Deliberation. This marked a key shift toward parliamentary democracy. Notably, Guernsey was among the earliest jurisdictions to include women in the franchise, even if on a limited basis, making Guernsey one of the earliest democracies to introduce votes for women.
Key reforms in the 20th and 21st centuries
Guernsey’s democratic framework has continued to evolve through major reforms:
- The Reform (Guernsey) Law 1948 removed Jurats and Rectors from the States, further separating political and judicial functions.
- In 2019, an amendment to the Reform Law introduced a single multi member island-wide constituency, replacing multiple electoral districts. This change transformed how elections are conducted and representation is structured.
The first island-wide election took place in October 2020, with 38 Deputies elected on an impressive 80% voter turnout - a testament to the community’s engagement in the democratic process.
A representative democracy
Today, Guernsey is a representative democracy. Elected Members are entrusted to act in the best interest of the community, using their own judgment and experience. While they are expected to listen to the people they serve, they are not required to follow the majority view in every instance.