Sark is moving in line with European human rights laws

Leaders of Guernsey's neighbouring island of Sark will decide whether to approve plans to introduce a fully-elected government by 2007.

Sark's 500 residents have been ruled by a few land-owning families until now.

The motion is due to be passed by 35 of the 50 members of Sark's Chief Pleas. Opponents said they will campaign against it "until the bitter end".

At present, owners of the island's 40 tenements (divisions of land) have an automatic seat in government.

Human rights

The proposals would mean that for the first time all members of Chief Pleas would be elected.

The changes will result in a lesser role for landowners in the government of the island, reducing the number to 16.

The number of deputies elected by the people would rise from 12 to 16.

The change follows a legal challenge by businessmen Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, who live on the neighbouring island of Brecqhou.

They say the feudal system does not square with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Phyliss Rang, a current Sark politician, told BBC News the island needed the continuity of leaders who had been long-time landowners rather than more elected seats.

"We see them come and see them go. We are going to fight it to the bitter end."