Sark has had a feudal system for about 450 years

In February, Sark's Chief Pleas agreed to end the island's feudal system in a two-stage plan over four years.

It breaches the European Convention of Human Rights because landowners get a seat automatically.

The petitioners, whose identities are confidential, want immediate democracy. Sark needs British Royal Assent before new assembly elections can be held.

Islanders were due to vote for an elected 28-member chamber in December.

We're very much in the hands of the Privy Council Paul Armorgie

Deputy Paul Armorgie said the determination to see the process through still remained in the island.

Sark has been governed by a mix of landowners and elected people's deputies for about 450 years.

Owners of the island's 40 tenements (divisions of land) currently have an automatic seat in the island's government, the Chief Pleas, with islanders choosing 12 people's deputies.

Mr Armorgie said it was unclear if the petitions would delay December's planned elections.

"I'd say we're very much in the hands of the Privy Council while they await legal opinion," he added.