IT is possible that the Isle of Man's constituencies could be changed in time for the next General Election following a debate in the December sitting of Tynwald.
Members of Tynwald voted in favour of the principle of making historic changes to the constituency boundaries which could see eight different areas, instead of 15, each electing three MHKs and one MLC.
During this year's general election many comments were made about the inequality of the Island's voting system - in particular the fact that some constituencies were represented by three members whereas several have only one.
During the Tynwald debate, when almost every MHK and MLC present made a comment, it was agreed that Tynwald should closely examine the initial findings of a committee which outlined the suggestion of boundary changes.
When it comes before the chamber again next year Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK said that the decision would be a free vote for all members, as it was a parliamentary matter affecting the Island's constitution and was, therefore, not a subject on which the Council of Ministers would debate as a body.
He said: "From what has been said today it appears that there is a consensus of opinion that the committee's initial findings make a lot of sense.
"I am a little surprised that no one has mentioned the idea of a national vote where everyone on the Isle of Man has the chance to elect all 24 MHKs but there’s a long way to go."
The Electoral Reform Bill 2011, a private Member's Bill in the name of David Callister MLC, passed its first reading in the Legislative Council on June 14, 2011.
On October 25 2011 the Council decided that the constitutional principles raised by the Bill should be referred to a joint committee under Standing Order 4.7 of Tynwald Court.
On November 22 the House of Keys agreed to form a joint committee.
The committee has been given powers to take evidence and to summon the attendance of witnesses pursuant to sections three and four of the Tynwald Proceedings Act 1876.
The members of the committee are Brenda Cannell MHK (Caairliagh), Phil Gawne MHK, Leonard Singer MHK, Phil Braidwood MLC, David Callister MLC and Alex Downie MLC.
This story is part of isleofman.com's Review of the Year 2011.
