The government wants opinions on important 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 opens today (Monday 1 December) and will close on 12 January 2026.
The proposed amendments are designed to reflect changes introduced by the Elections (Keys and Local Authorities) (Amendment) Bill 2025, currently under consideration by Tynwald.
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
The consultation asks 13 questions and should take 15 minutes to complete.
Responses can be submitted online or by email to elections@gov.im
Paper copies are also available on request and can be submitted by post to the Crown and Elections Team, Cabinet Office, 3rd Floor Government Office, Bucks Road, Douglas, IM1 3PN.
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.
For more information contact the Crown and Elections Team at +44 1624 685201 or elections@gov.im
