Commonwealth observers called last week’s Isle of Man House of Keys election well-handled; mission chief Chris Blinn praised participants’ civic duty. Of 24 members elected across 12 constituencies, 15 were new and nine from the previous administration returned.
Deputy Chris Blinn of Guernsey led the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and Mediterranean Region mission. Its 10 members spent 10 days speaking with groups involved, attending hustings and observing polling stations and counts to assess compliance with international standards and Isle of Man law.
A CPA observation mission first monitored a House of Keys election in 2021 and recommended improving polling-station accessibility. Rules have since changed, and iPads were used to check voters off the register. Blinn said they let people vote at different polling stations within their constituency, which could make access easier for some people with disabilities. An interim report is due later, with a fuller report expected further into the autumn.
