Countdown begins to Isle of Man's 2026 General Election

Prospective candidates can now formally declare their intention to stand, with campaign finance and transparency rules also coming into effect one year before polling day

The formal countdown to the Isle of Man’s next general election has begun, with prospective candidates for the House of Keys able to declare their intention to stand.

The election is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, when voters in all 12 constituencies will choose two members each to sit in the House of Keys, the elected branch of Tynwald.

From this week, anyone intending to stand must begin recording all campaign expenses, donations, and relevant interests under the Elections (Keys and Local Authorities) Act 2020.

This includes spending on promotional materials and events, declarations of donations over £50, and disclosure of business directorships, trade union affiliations or professional memberships.

Anonymous donations to candidates, prospective candidates or political parties are prohibited, and if received, must be transferred to the government’s Chief Financial Officer who will hand the monies to the Manx Lottery Trust.

Candidates must be at least 18-years-old, a British citizen or have the right to remain on the Island, be ordinarily resident on the Island for periods amounting to five years or more, and be registered to vote in the Isle of Man.They cannot be legally disqualified from standing. To take part in the election process, prospective candidates should contact the Deputy Returning Officer in their chosen constituency.

The Island’s constituencies are drawn to reflect broadly equal population sizes, covering Arbory, Castletown and Malew; Ayre and Michael; Douglas Central; Douglas East; Douglas North; Douglas South; Garff; Glenfaba and Peel; Middle; Onchan; Ramsey; and Rushen.

Key dates in the process include the dissolution of the House of Keys on 13 August 2026, the close of nominations on 26 August, and the deadline for proxy vote applications at 5pm on 23 September.

Deadlines for postal voting applications vary depending on whether voters are based on-Island, in the British Isles, or further afield.

The government is urging residents to ensure their details are up to date on the electoral register in order to vote. Registration can be completed online, by requesting a paper form, or through the Crown and Elections team via elections@gov.im or calling 685 754.

Political parties intending to endorse candidates must also be formally registered.

The House of Keys is dissolved six weeks before polling day, when writs of election are issued by the Lieutenant Governor and notices of election published.

Campaigning can continue throughout the year, but all activity is subject to the spending limits and reporting requirements set by law.