◆ Jersey Election 2026 ◆ Independent Senator ◆

Martin Aliga
Manifesto 2026

Working to Secure Jersey's Future for the Next Generation — a full vision for housing, health, education, and a diversified economy.

Download Full Manifesto (PDF)

About Martin

A Man of Integrity,
Ready to Serve Jersey

I am ready to offer myself to serve the entire Island of Jersey as a man of integrity and a genuine leader in the capacity of a Senator in Jersey's States Assembly.

As an independent political candidate, I pledge to offer a transparent leadership style whereby I will be approachable both virtually and physically. I seek to engage Islanders using my platform and a periodic forum that brings Islanders together — promoting dialogue to positively influence policy and everyday life in Jersey.

My background spans teaching children with hearing impairment, cross-cultural voluntary mission work in Edinburgh, a degree in Development Studies (where I graduated as Guild President, serving a student body of 10,000), and an MSc in Africa and International Development from the University of Edinburgh. I married my Jersey girl, Mary Bisson, in 2012 — together we are the Aliga-7, blessed with five children.

Since 2015, I have served as a childcare practitioner for the States of Jersey, and I am nearing completion of a qualification in Therapeutic Counselling — equipping me with deep skills in cultural humility, anti-oppressive practice, and empathy.

Two major words define how I intend to serve: Attitude and Responsibility. Jersey needs leaders with consistent character — ready to be accountable for every decision they make.

Leadership Values

Attitude

Visionary and resilient leadership — built through long-term growth and transformation:

AuthenticityCommitted to being genuine and transparent in everything.

TenacityShowing persistence and grit when facing challenges.

ThoughtfulnessShowing care and consideration for the needs of others.

InspirationalLeading with passion to motivate the community.

ToleranceRespecting differing opinions and backgrounds across the Island.

UnityFocusing on the collective good and inclusivity for all Islanders.

DiligenceWorking carefully and consistently on every task.

EthicalLeading with fairness and high moral standards at all times.

Senatorial Approach

Responsibility

How Martin will serve Jersey's community as Senator:

R
RepresentationAct for the whole Island, ensuring that the concerns of all parishes — urban and rural — are equally championed.
E
EconomyPrioritize practical measures for the cost-of-living crisis, such as tax allowance increases to ease household pressures.
S
ScrutinyHold the government to account by rigorously reviewing Ministerial Plans and large-scale spending of the £1.28bn public services budget.
P
Public ServicesEnsure efficiency in essential areas like healthcare and emergency services.
O
OpennessFoster transparency by welcoming reviews of Freedom of Information laws and communicating clearly with voters.
N
Needs-FocusedTarget resources toward critical infrastructure like schools and PFAS treatment for drinking water.
S
SustainabilityCommit to long-term financial stability by maintaining a balanced budget and protecting the Strategic Reserve.
I
IntegrityUphold high ethical standards to restore faith in government — a top concern for 56% of Islanders in 2026.
B
BuildingTackle the housing crisis by supporting first-time buyers and increasing the supply of affordable family homes.
I
InclusionChampion social justice, ensuring policy changes like healthcare access do not disenfranchise vulnerable groups.
L
LeadershipProvide strong, trusted direction during crises, such as major storms or global economic shifts.
I
InvestmentDirect the £1 billion capital programme toward modernising the hospital at Overdale and other public assets.
T
TomorrowPlan for future generations by addressing demographic challenges and climate change today.
Y
YouthInvest in modern school buildings, enhanced youth services, and affordable childcare for Jersey's next generation.

Policy Priorities

Four Areas of Focus

Family, Children & Young People

With roughly 34% of Islanders contemplating moving away due to costs, and housing a top concern for 54% of Jersey's population, Martin will work to put sustainable housing solutions in place for young families and tenants now — not in ten years.

Affordable Housing: sustainable solutions for young families and tenants
Economic Security: policies to address the rising cost of living
Empowering Youth: values and resources to lead sustainably

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Fiscal

Focus on the £1.28bn public service budget

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Social

Address the housing crisis and inequality gap

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Civic

Island-wide mandate — direct voice in the Assembly

Health & Wellbeing

Jersey faces a mental health crisis, especially among young people. As of April 2026, Jersey's CAMHS is managing a caseload more than twice as high per head as similar services in the UK.

Support alternative primary health solutions including psychotherapy and counselling
Fight stigma against non-pharmaceutical approaches to wellbeing
Recognise that mainstream and alternative medicine can work in harmony
Foster community confidence to explore diverse health methods

Education

Martin proposes a rethink on screen time in preschool and primary education, where excessive digital engagement is limiting practical skills development — addressing Head, Heart, and Hands learning.

Remove 90% of digital involvement at KS1 — prioritise hands-on learning
Gradually increase screen learning from KS2 through to KS3
Address attention spans, emotional intelligence, and motor skill development
Introduce "Junior Enterprise" entrepreneurial clubs from KS2

Economic Diversification

Economic diversification is essential — with reduced bureaucracy, support for small businesses and start-ups, and investment in emerging sectors to prevent the brain drain of local talent.

Digital Innovation: investigate digital currencies and tokenisation
Creative & Tech: develop career pathways in tech and creative arts
Social Enterprise: Junior Enterprise model from KS2
African Ties: leverage Jersey's £30.6bn African financial presence for professional talent pathways
Strategic Financial Structuring: apply fund management expertise to African football academy transfers

Manifesto Summary

A Secure, Inclusive Jersey

Martin Aliga's 2026 manifesto focuses on building a secure, inclusive Jersey through affordable housing, improved mental health support, fighting stigma against counselling and psychotherapy, continuing to advocate against hate crime, collaborating for a balanced education, and supporting economic diversification.

Grounded in integrity and responsibility, he champions transparent leadership, youth empowerment, and global partnerships — aiming to create sustainable opportunities and a stronger future for all Islanders and generations ahead.

Full Document

Read the Complete Manifesto

Download the full PDF to read Martin's detailed policies, references, and vision for Jersey 2026.