Poll gives support for democracy

A narrow majority of voters in an unofficial referendum in Sark support a fully democratic electoral system.

The poll was carried out to gauge public opinion on how the representatives in Chief Pleas - the governing body - are selected.

At the moment landowners have an automatic right to sit in Chief Pleas, with 12 deputies elected by residents.

Eighty eight of 165 voters voted for a democratic system where land ownership does not guarantee membership.

Deputy Geoff Gurden organised the poll ahead of a debate by the Chief Pleas on 8 March.