| Isle of Man Electoral Reform
A mechanism for the electorate to be heard
The current system leaves voters with no effective say between elections. A reformed Referendum Act would change that — giving every resident a direct route to democratic accountability.
| Why this matters
The gap between voters and government needs a bridge
Most Members of the House of Keys stand as independents, with no shared manifesto and no coordinated programme for government. Once the election is over, a Chief Minister is chosen – not by the public, but by the newly elected MHKs themselves.
This means that even when you vote for a candidate whose policies you support, there is no guarantee those policies will shape the government that follows. Public consultations exist, but questions are often framed in ways that steer the outcome.
The proposals on this page offer a practical remedy: targeted amendments to the Referendum Act 1979 that would give the Chief Minister – and the public – a formal, binding mechanism to put important questions directly to the electorate.
| The political realities
Why the current system falls short
These are not abstract concerns — they are the structural deficiencies that make it hard for the Island’s electorate to hold government accountable between elections.
No coordinated policy
Independent MHKs each bring their own manifesto. There is no unified programme, so voters cannot predict the direction of government after they cast their ballot.
An unelected Chief Minister
The Chief Minister is chosen by MHKs after the election – not by the public. Voters have no direct say in who leads government or what their priorities will be.
Ineffective consultation
Public consultations are proving inadequate. Questions are often slanted in a particular direction, and political parties – tried over recent decades – have not solved the accountability gap.
| The solution
The gap between voters and government needs a bridge
Political parties have been tried and found wanting. The only viable path is a reformed referendum process: amendments to the Referendum Act 1979 that are proportionate, practical, and give the electorate a genuine voice on matters that affect their lives.
Issues such as Climate Change and the Assisted Dying Bill have already demonstrated the need for a formal channel through which the public can express an opinion that counts — not just a consultation that can be set aside.
Proposed amendments
Amendments to the Referendum Act 1979
The following five amendments would create a balanced, workable referendum framework — giving both the Chief Minister and the public the ability to trigger a vote on matters of genuine importance.
1
Chief Minister’s power to call a referendum
The Chief Minister shall be granted the power to call a referendum on any matter should he or she deem it necessary.
2
Existing act simplified
Sections 1 and 2 of the current act become void, except for section 2(4), which is retained.
3
The question put to the public
The question asked in a referendum called by the Chief Minister shall be the same as would be put before Tynwald — for example: “Do you support this bill or not?”
4
Public-initiated referenda
Where eligible registered voters wish to call a referendum on any matter, the following procedure shall apply:
- Initiated by any group of 50 eligible registered voters giving official notice to the Cabinet Office of their intention to collect 1,000 eligible registered voter signatures. The initial 50 signatures are included in the 1,000.
- Where the matter concerns a resolution passed by Tynwald, the Bill title must be entered in the “Title of referendum” field. For other matters, the initiating voter decides the title, as set out in step 3 below.
- Official Notice must be submitted on the form shown in Form 6 below.
- Official notice must be received by the Cabinet Office within six weeks of a Bill being passed by the House of Keys.
- The Bill will then be paused for four months to allow the collection of 1,000 verified registered voter signatures, to be submitted to the Cabinet Office on the Official Form 7 below.
- A referendum, prepared by the Cabinet Office, must then follow within six months, supported by clear and concise written arguments for and against, reflecting the opinions of interested parties.
- A majority vote is required; the result is advisory. Where the returned vote is two-thirds or more, the result becomes obligatory.
- More than one matter or subject may be included in a single referendum pack.
- No more than two referendum packs may be issued per year.
5
Amending this act
Alterations to this Act shall be resolved exclusively by a referendum initiated by the Chief Minister, in which the returned vote is two-thirds or more in favour of the alterations.
| Official forms
Referendum notice and signature forms
Two official forms are required under the proposed procedure. Form 6 gives notice of intent to collect signatures. Form 7 submits the completed signatures to the Cabinet Office.
Form 6
Notice of Intent to Collect Signatures
| Title of referendum | |
| Name and address of eligible registered voter proposer or signature collector | |
| Name and address of 50 eligible registered voters supporting this referendum | |
| Cabinet Office receipt stamp including date |
Form 7
Submission of 1,000 Verified Signatures
| Title of referendum | |
| Name and address of eligible registered voter proposer or signature collector | |
| Name and address of 1000 eligible registered voters supporting this referendum | |
| Cabinet Office receipt stamp including date |
Take Action Now
Support candidates who back these amendments
The only way to bring this change is through the ballot box. Ask your candidates whether they support amendments to the Referendum Act 1979 — and vote for those who do.