The Chamber of Commerce has listed key questions it wants voters to ask candidates in the upcoming general election.
It has issued a guide for voters ahead of polling day for the House of Keys next month.
Chamber CEO Rebecca George commented said: “The 2026 General Election is about more than today’s challenges. It is about choosing the people who will shape the Isle of Man’s future.
“The decisions made by MHKs elected next month, and the Council of Ministers, will influence our economy, healthcare, education, housing and infrastructure for years to come.”
What to ask
Included in the questions it says should be asked are:
- If the economy does not grow, how will you pay for the services people expect?
- How will you approach personal and business taxation and how will you protect the island’s competitive tax position?
- What will you do about energy costs for households and businesses.
- If the Island faces a fiscal shortfall, how will you balance the books? What will you cut and what will you protect?
- How will you make sure the next government genuinely listens to business – not just consults it?
- What specific mechanisms will you put in place to give business a real voice in economic policy?
- Do you support reform of civil service accountability and what would that look like?
George added: “Our Voter Guide has been launched now because we are nearing the August 26 deadline when candidates have to officially declare their intention to stand, and candidates’ opinions about economic policies must be kept at the heart of the debate as we head towards polling day September 24.”
Need for a strong economy
She argued: “A strong economy underpins everyday aspect of life on the island. It provides the jobs, personal earnings and tax revenues that the Isle of Man needs to deliver health care and all other public services that we depend upon. Without a strong and growing economy, everyone on the Island will feel the impact.
“Chamber does not support any candidates or political parties. The guide is purely meant to help voters to understand key issues, and provide useful information, that will assist them when speaking to candidates. This will help voters to make informed decisions on polling day.”
You can find a copy of the Chamber of Commerce Election Guide by clicking here or visit www.iomchamber.org.im/election-2026