The government wants opinions on updates to the island’s electoral regulations ahead of the 2026 House of Keys General Election.
A public consultation on the proposed Elections (Keys and Local Authorities) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 has opened and will close on January 12.
The proposed amendments are designed to reflect changes introduced by the Elections (Keys and Local Authorities) (Amendment) Bill 2025, currently under consideration by Tynwald.
Changes to Election Regulations
Members of the public, local authorities, election officials, and all interested parties are encouraged to share their views.
If passed the changes will modernise and improve transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in both national and local elections.
The consultation seeks feedback on three parts of the election process.
In local and national elections:
- Publishing candidates’ declarations of relevant interests would provide voters with more information about the people standing for election. Declarations of relevant interests such as business and financial holdings or sponsorships would be published online after the period for nominations has closed.
- Pre-verification of postal votes by deputy returning officers would speed up the count on election day so that results can be announced sooner. Candidates’ counting agents would be present and ballot papers would remain sealed until the count begins.
House of Keys elections only:
- One pre-election meeting for each House of Keys constituency would be arranged by the Cabinet Office to ensure all voters have an equal opportunity to hear from candidates. Meetings would be governed by principles of equality, accessibility, and transparency and chaired by an independent person.
All responses will be considered in shaping the final regulations, which are expected to be put before Tynwald in April 2026 if the Elections Amendment Bill receives Royal Assent by March 2026.
