Commissioner calls for candidates in by-elections

Having a choice of several candidates in upcoming by-elections on the Isle of Man was "fundamental to democracy", a commissioner has said.

The polls are due to take place in Ramsey South, Port Erin, Jurby, Douglas Central and Ballaugh, as not enough candidates had come forward in the local authority elections to fill the seats.

Nomination for candidates in those areas closes at 13:00 BST on Wednesday ahead of polling day on 17 July.

Juan McGuinness from Ramsey Town Commissioners said "representing your town", and "giving back to the community" was one of the "most important and best things you can do".

Having democracy was "massively important and it starts at the local level", he said.

"Becoming a Ramsey Town Commissioner, I can speak personally is one of the best things I've done over the last 10 years."

He advised those interested in standing as a candidate to get in contact with their local town hall, "get as much information as possible", speak to current or past commissioners and have a look at what the role entails.

Responsibilities for the local authority included bins, street lights, park management and the cleanliness of the towns.

McGuinness said "while what we are responsible for is small, what we can influence is large", such as putting pressure on central government for funding or raising awareness on local residents' concerns.

But he said it was "not just about finding one person to stand, it was about finding multiple people so that we can have a proper election" such as having hustings, canvassing, and manifestos, so those elected had "gone through a full democratic process".

It was "fundamental to democracy, to the Isle of Man" and "we have to know that the people who are standing are the choice of the people", he added.

There are two seats up for grabs in Jurby, Port Erin and Ballaugh while Ramsey South Ward and Douglas Central Ward both have one seat available.

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