A referendum on the composition of the Chief Pleas was held in Sark between 16 August and 6 September 2006,Sark (Channel Islands), 6 September 2006: Composition of Parliament Direct Democracy following an informal referendum in February.Sark (Channel Islands), 23 February 2006: Composition of Parliament Direct Democracy Voters were given the choice of having all 28 seats elected, or to have 12 seats for Deputies, eight for tenants and eight elected by everyone.
Background On 8 March 2006 the Chief Pleas voted to reduce the number of seats from 52 to 28.Island cuts back feudal influence BBC News, 8 March 2006 The proposed system at the time was for 14 seats to be reserved for landowners and 14 elected by the general population. However, in April the Seigneur Michael Beaumont warned the Pleas that this may not be approved by the Privy Council.Setback over Sark's constitution BBC News, 20 April 2006 In July three options were put forward; electing all 28 members by universal suffrage; having 16 members elected by the general public and 16 elected by tenants, and having 16 tenants and 16 general members all elected by universal suffrage.Meeting fails to pick reform plan BBC News, 6 July 2006 A meeting held on 6 July was unable to make a decision due to disagreements on whether to hold a consultative referendum. However, the referendum was agreed to on 9 August.Islanders to have say on reforms BBC News, 10 August 2006
The Pleas determined that voter turnout must be at least 60% and that a winning option must receive 54.5% of the vote.
Results
ChoiceVotes%Option A23455.98Option B18444.02Invalid/blank votes1–Total419100Registered voters/turnout46889.52Source: Direct Democracy
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