A public consultation has been launched as part of the root and branch review of the island’s election legislation.

The aim is modernise the democratic process and provide greater clarity and consistency for House of Keys and local authority elections.

People are being invited to submit their views via an online survey that runs until Sunday, May 20.

Questions cover a wide range of issues such as the timing of elections, alternatives to voting in person, voter registration, the role of returning officers and rules for candidates.

The public consultation supports work being carried out by the Cabinet Office which is looking at ways to protect the integrity of free and fair elections, remove any grey areas from the current legislation, increase voter turnout and explore the introduction of new technology.

John Turner, former chief executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators, has been engaged to provide independent support and advice.

A series of meetings have taken place to gain the views of Tynwald members, 2016 Keys candidates, returning officers and local authorities.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas MHK said: ’The public consultation intentionally stays away from the detail regarding elections and instead poses a number of high-level questions on how elections should run in the Isle of Man.

’This is an opportunity to help shape the future of legislation that is at the very heart of our democracy.’