by Delly Waigeno – EM TV, Port Moresby
Governor for West New Britain, Sasindran Muthuvel, asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Provincial and Local Level Governments, Leo Dion, if the government would keep its commitment to create additional electorates for better service delivery.
Mr Dion said the government is currently considering five electorates for potential expansion.
These are Alotau, Gazelle, Tambul Nebilier, Kairuku-Hiri and Talasea districts.
Mr Dion acknowledged that the increase in population growth comes with the demand for increased service delivery.
He said the status of the five districts will depend on the NEC decision. He said the laws that cover national and provincial boundaries need to be revisited.
Mr Dion said there are circumstances where, in consultation with the boundaries commission, cabinet has to decide whether to split an electorate, depending on the various situations involving landmass and population, per a certain area.
He added that certain provisions, such as more funding, should also be considered, to compensate larger electorates, in terms of population.
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