At its best, democracy is a collective exercise in determining what kind of future we wish to build together - Jersey Evening Post
by Voices · Jersey Evening PostPosted inVoices
At its best, democracy is a collective exercise in determining what kind of future we wish to build together
by Voices 8 June 20268 June 2026
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By Alex Ruddy
AS Jersey approaches another election, I find myself reflecting not on who should “win”, but on how we have chosen to conduct ourselves along the way. I recently met the independent election observers and after sharing my thoughts with them I felt compelled to draft this opinion piece.
The strength of any democracy is not measured solely by the outcome of an election. It is measured by the quality of the debate, the respect shown to differing views, and the willingness of people to engage in good faith, even when they disagree. You have heard or read me saying this many times.
Recent weeks have seen too much of the opposite. Personally I have found this intolerable.
Across political systems around the world, we are witnessing a rise in toxic narratives, personal attacks, vested interests masquerading as public interest, and increasingly underhand tactics designed to discredit individuals rather than challenge ideas. Jersey is not immune to these trends, but nor should we accept them as inevitable.
As chair of the Institute of Directors Jersey, I have always been clear about our role. We are unapologetically pro-business, pro-free enterprise and pro-growth. We believe economic success matters because it creates opportunity, funds public services and supports the prosperity of our community.
However, being pro-growth does not mean pursuing growth at any cost. The IoD recently, under my tenure, has consistently advocated for sustainable island governance that recognises both economic realities and the social contract that binds us together. Strong economies and strong communities are not competing objectives; they are mutually dependent. We challenge policy, not people. We scrutinise decisions, not personalities. We seek evidence, accountability and long-term thinking, regardless of who happens to occupy a ministerial seat. I refused to sign any nomination forms, as I will work with whomever occupies a ministerial role and will not show favour. Clearly there are some individuals occupying those roles who are more willing to engage and that is the sole measure I use.
Democracy was never intended to be a contest of who can shout the loudest, who can generate the most outrage, or who can inflict the greatest damage on an opponent. At its best, democracy is a collective exercise in determining what kind of future we wish to build together. In my view, this requires respect.
It requires the humility to acknowledge that no individual, political grouping or interest group (to include the IoD) has a monopoly on good ideas. It requires us to recognise that people of integrity can arrive at different conclusions about the best path forward for our island. I have always advocated for this to be driven by data and informed by evidence and analysis. Put simply, a policy decision that might alleviate the pain of a small minority might have unintended consequences that affect the economy as a whole, and therefore will penalise those it was intending to help.
Democracy also requires representation. Alongside my role in the IoD, I am proud to be a member of Women for Politics, a group of female leaders from diverse sectors that support women standing for election regardless of their political persuasion. We do not endorse ideologies. We champion participation. Why? Because diversity of thought leads to better decision-making. These women champion each other too – from tips on rosette sourcing to encouragement before hustings – regardless of political leaning.
A healthy democracy should reflect the society it serves. Gender balance is not about tokenism; it is about ensuring that different experiences, perspectives and priorities are represented around the decision-making table. It is one of the most effective safeguards against groupthink. It is a core learning in the IoD professional qualification.
The evidence is compelling. United Nations research has found that when women meaningfully participate in peace processes, the probability of a peace agreement lasting at least 15 years increases by 35%. Women’s participation also increases the likelihood of agreements being reached and sustained over time. The lesson is clear and this was drawn to my attention listening to a compelling speech from a female politician from another jurisdiction: when decision-making becomes more inclusive, outcomes become more durable.
While Jersey is not negotiating peace agreements, the principle remains incredibly relevant. Inclusive leadership creates stronger, more resilient outcomes. Diverse voices strengthen businesses and governments.
As voters, candidates, commentators and community leaders, we all have a responsibility to elevate the standard of public discourse. I recently posted on LinkedIn about some pretty atrocious behaviour directed at female candidates. The general response was: “It should not need to be said, but well done for saying it.”
The coming days should not be about settling scores, advancing personal agendas or protecting vested interests. They should be about Jersey. About the kind of island we want to leave to future generations. My children are seeing this play out and it is not something I am proud of as a business leader.
The future of Jersey should be focused on ensuring that our economy remains competitive while our communities remain cohesive. It should be about embracing innovation without abandoning responsibility.
When I held the role of governor at Victoria College/VCP, I would often have to represent the school robustly to the then minister and chief officer. Both of whom I know personally. We were able to disagree professionally in the confines of a meeting and then share a coffee afterwards. We are a small island. We need to recognise that disagreement need not become division.
Jersey has always been at its best when it combines independence of thought with a strong sense of community. We are fortunate to be an island rich in talent, experience, expertise and civic spirit. We have business leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants, volunteers and community advocates who care deeply about our future. That is the Jersey we should present to the world. Not an island consumed by factionalism and personal attacks, but one confident enough to debate respectfully, challenge constructively and work collaboratively.
As this election unfolds, my hope is that we put aside political labels, personal ambitions and vested interests long enough to remember what truly matters.
And if we conduct ourselves in that spirit, we will not only strengthen this election, we will strengthen Jersey itself.
Alex Ruddy is chair of the Institute of Directors, Jersey branch, group managing director of Collas Crill Regulatory and Compliance and co-founder of the Mind the Gap Community. She is a passionate advocate for fair business practices.
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