IT now looks virtually certain that the constituencies will be changed in time for the next House of Keys general election, following a debate in Tynwald today.

Members of Tynwald voted in favour of the principle of making historic changes to the constituency boundaries which could see eight different areas, each electing three MHKs and one MLC.

During this year’s House of Keys 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 today’s debate, when almost every MHK and MLC 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 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.

“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,” he said.

“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.”