Debate on 41 electoral seats begins tomorrow

In an effort to alter electoral boundaries to increase the number of electoral seats from 36 to 41, debate is expected to begin tomorrow on a motion to affirm the Election and Boundaries Commission (EBC) Draft Order 2005 in the House of Representatives. The motion would create three new seats in Trinidad, but some members of the Tobago House of Assembly have been asking that the number of seats in Tobago also be increased. Princes Town Member of Parliament (MP) Subhas Panday made his position on the issue clear, asserting that the People’s National Movement (PNM) “terrorised the EBC so much they seem to have become like the Integrity Commission, taking a soft stance against this pressure.”

Panday’s constituency was one of  several that will be affected by the proposed boundary changes, as it would be split into Princes Town North and Princes Town South/Tableland. Panday surmised, “They cut out parts of Princes Town to build a PNM base in the Princes Town South/Tableland area.” Leader of Government Business in the Lower House, Trade Minister Ken Valley, confirmed that the EBC Draft 2005 will be debated tomorrow. While declining to give specifics, Valley  assured that Government was prepared to thoroughly debate all issues pertaining to it. He also said Government was prepared to field any concerns which the Opposition was likely to raise tomorrow.

Last year, PNM chairman and Works Minister Franklin Khan said the ruling party was preparing for next year’s Local Government Election and General Election, constitutionally due in 2007, on the basis of an increased number of seats in TT. Khan’s Ortoire/Mayaro constituency will also be affected significantly  by the EBC Draft Order. Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Orville London has suggested that Tobago be given three seats as part of any overall increase in the number of constituencies in TT.