Cut in States Members ‘needs debate’

Tuesday 24th February 2004, 12:00AM GMT.

MOVES to cut the number of States Members have been branded ‘putting the cart before the horse’ by Senator Stuart Syvret.

The Privileges and Procedures Committee are proposing the creation of six ‘super constituencies’ in which Islanders can elect politicians.

If accepted, the new structure would end Deputies’ links to particular parishes and the post of Senator would be abolished.However, Senator Syvret argues this would inevitably introduce either formal or informal party politics and would also drastically reduce voter choice.He further contended the Privileges Committee should bring forward proposals for electoral reform before proposing changes to the constitution of the States.

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