THERE is at least one highly significant parallel between the recent Senatorial election and the present round of Deputies’ elections.

In each case voters have been presented with a wide range of candidates representing an equally wide range of political viewpoints.

It is, of course, true that in both contests there are – or were – political hopefuls who, thanks to a variable blend of limited experience, poor presentation and, frankly, incompetence are – or were – destined to be also-rans.

Nevertheless, in most constituencies where votes must be cast tomorrow, electors will be faced with a genuine choice of personalities and policies.

Island democracy will be well served if this encourages a much higher than average turnout at the polls. It will be in the best interests of all Islanders if ballot boxes are filled to the brim. If this happens, there is a real chance that we shall find ourselves being served by politicians of ability with real mandates and real claims to represent the electorate.

It is always of great importance that Islanders should be represented by people of the highest possible calibre, but in our new ministerial system it is nothing less than vital. There are no more hiding places on minor committees for the idlers or make-weights. Everyone who wins a seat must be capable of playing a full role either in the executive or as a fully effective scrutineer.

Meanwhile, although the present elections are without doubt crucial, they may signal the end of an era in the Island’s political history. It is probable that we shall move to some form of general election, a development which would be a better reflection of the narrowing gap in status, function and responsibility between Senators and Deputies as well as compressing the whole electoral process.

A general election would also put an end to current practices that have certain advantages and some disadvantages. For example, newcomers to the electoral scene would lose the double-edged opportunity of showing promise or failing utterly in the Senatorial hustings, so an opportunity for the public to identify future talent and future no-hopers would be lost. On the other hand, Senators who lost their seats would be denied the possible lifeline of the Deputies’ elections and would have to accept the consequences of being found wanting by the Island as a whole.