Feudal island Sark embraces democracy

By Avril Ormsby

LONDON (Reuters) - The West's last remaining feudal system came to an end this week when inhabitants of the tiny Channel Island of Sark took part in its first full parliamentary election in nearly 450 years.

The car-free island, which lies about 6 miles east of Guernsey off the coast of Normandy, had broadly held onto the political and judicial systems bestowed upon it by Queen Elizabeth 1.

But the island's 474 eligible voters enthusiastically embraced democracy, with 87 percent casting their ballot for the 28 members of a new chamber.

A recount was being held on Thursday after just five votes separated the candidates in 28th and 29th place. In all, 57 candidates had stood for election.

"It is democracy in full flow," said the island's seneschal, or judge, Lieutenant Colonel Reg Guille.

Some islanders delayed holidays or flew in especially "because it was so important and historic a vote," Guille added.

"You could see how important it was in the number of people standing and turning out to vote," he told Reuters.

"It was quite an event to see 57 people standing on the platform waiting for the returning officer to deliver the result."