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BBC News
9 hours ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Guernsey deputy chief minister laments island-wide voting system
Guernsey's deputy chief minister has described the current electoral system as "isolating". Voters backed the move to elect politicians from an entire island constituency, rather than the previous district system, at a referendum in 2020. Deputy Heidi Soulsby, who is standing down at the 2025 general election after 13 years in local politics, said she believed the system had cut voters off from politicians. "I don't like this system, you miss one-on-one conversations and that connection with the public," she told the BBC. "People have to come to you, in a way that's different to the parish system, you were going to them."At the first island-wide general election in 2020, she came second with 12,779 votes, while she topped the polls in the South East in 2012 with 2,061 votes. Soulsby said: "If I wanted to stand, it wouldn't have stopped me, but the thought of going through this really isolating existence wasn't ideal." A number of candidates and voters have said they would like to see the electoral system reviewed before the 2029 general election. However, defenders of the current system said it led to a record turnout at the 2020 general said of the previous system: "You were out knocking on doors, walking the streets having one-to-one conversations with people who could be really angry about what you said. "It was great - you found out what the issues were." A Scrutiny Management Report review of the 2020 election concluded there "remains significant support for the ability to vote for any candidate who stands" and did not recommend making a change to the system of island-wide voting for the 2025 said it was still hard to defend the current system despite the findings."I feel that sense of isolation of deputies, that lack of connection," she said."You feel more in a bubble."
Malay Mail
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Sabah DCM calls for responsible celebration ahead of Kaamatan Festival
KOTA KINABALU, May 22 — As Sabah prepares for its annual Kaamatan Festival in eight days, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan has urged the public to celebrate responsibly, ensuring the cultural spirit of the festival is upheld without compromising safety. Kitingan, who chairs the main organising committee, reminded festivalgoers that while the month-long celebration is a time for joy, reflection, and cultural appreciation, overindulgence—especially in food, alcohol, and late-night activities—should be avoided. 'Don't overdo it. Whether it's eating, drinking, singing, or anything else, just be mindful and manage yourselves,' he said. 'In this day and age, social media is everywhere and watching, so take care of yourself,' he added. Acknowledging past incidents of bad behaviour and disorderly conduct, Kitingan said security teams would be present during the final two days of the festival to maintain order. 'We will have police and security who will take action where necessary. We cannot tolerate bad behaviour that affects others. Maybe they will throw them into the lockup for one night,' he said. He noted that state-level and district celebrations have so far proceeded smoothly, aided by favourable weather and strong cooperation among organisers. 'We hope everything will continue to run as smoothly. We are more prepared this year, considering past years' issues and complaints,' he said. Key issues in previous years included high stall rental costs and late-night festivities affecting nearby residential areas. 'We have imposed a time limit. The music in the traditional houses has to stop at 1am. Last year, about six houses were fined for exceeding the time limit,' he said. On rental costs, Kitingan said permanent stall fees have been reduced from RM7,000 to RM5,000, while smaller canvas stalls are now more affordable thanks to increased government funding. 'Stall prices start at RM2,500, among the lowest ever. To address complaints of sub-renters, enforcement teams will monitor the situation and blacklist offenders,' he said. The Kaamatan Festival, hosted at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) building, also known as Hongkod, began last weekend and will culminate on May 30 and 31. Highlights include cultural houses showcasing traditional costumes, music, and dance; stalls offering local food, drinks, and brews like lihing; traditional games such as buffalo racing, arm wrestling, and stilt walking; a singing competition; and the crowning of the Unduk Ngadau, or Harvest Festival Queen.
