The tiny Channel Island of Sark, Europe's last feudal state, has voted to introduce a fully democratic government.
After 450 years of feudalism, the law-making body, the Chief Pleas, voted unanimously to adopt the change that ensures the island's parliament and electoral system complies with the European Convention on Human Rights.
The move followed a dispute between the Chief Pleas and Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, proprietors of The Daily Telegraph, and owners of the neighbouring island, Brecqhou, which forms part of Sark and is subject to its laws.
Daily Telegraph:
Sark vote brings end to last feudal state in Europe
Independent:
End of Europe's last fiefdom as Sark votes for democracy
Background story (as reported last year in The Wall Street Journal).
Infos about Sark:
Sark Government
Sark Tourism
Sark History
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