Imbert calls for 51 seats
DIEGO Martin East Member of Parliament, Colm Imbert, is suggesting that 51 seats be established by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) to "free up" at least 20 to 25 members to participate more effectively in committee and constituency matters. Imbert was speaking yesterday in the House of Representatives on the debate of the motion to accept the EBC Order, which has recommended that there be 41 seats instead of 36. Imbert said there were not enough elected Members of Parliament to efficiently serve on the various committees of Parliament, and it was difficult for ministers to give proper service because of their schedules. Imbert said he nevertheless supported the recommendations in the EBC Order and, based on his perusal of the report with "a fine tooth comb," he could find no evidence of a "devious or diabolical intent or plot," as was being suggested. "There is no overt or covert advantages given by the EBC to either side (PNM or UNC) by its adjustments," he lamented, adding that he would have preferred to see more seats in the East to reduce the large constituencies of Toco/Manzanilla and Ortoire/Mayaro. Imbert said there should be more balance in the population density and land mass. He said he understood that the EBC was restrained in some areas by legislation, and maybe the time had come "to give them the tools to come up with more seats — no less than 50." Imbert said while it would be complex to add a new seat in Tobago, the EBC had been asked to look at the boundaries as "a matter of urgency."
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"Imbert calls for 51 seats"