THE most important election campaigns in Jersey’s recent history begin in earnest tonight.

The 2008 elections, in which all but nine States seats could change hands, are the first real test of the public’s view of ministerial government and GST.

At least 18 candidates are expected to stand at tonight’s nomination meeting for Senator, at the formal meeting at the Town Hall. The candidates include three sitting Senators and four Deputies, and an unprecedented mix of ages, but only one woman has declared so far.

This year’s elections have two unusual twists – firstly, that teenagers from 16 and over can register to vote for the first time. Secondly, nine Constables have cut short their terms to bring them into line with the Senators.

That means that when Islanders go to the polls on 15 October, they will be electing six Senators – the other six having three years left on their terms – and nine Constables, as well as filling in the referendum on Central European Time.