PHILIPSBURG:--- MP Sarah Wescot Williams said in a press release on behalf of the Democratic Party faction of Parliament that she received a favorable response from the presidium of Parliament ( consisting of the Chairperson and his 2 deputies). “The presidium has favorably decided on my request to have the proposals regarding electoral reform that I submitted in my capacity as Prime Minister in 2014, picked up again by Parliament.”
Given the sentiments of the public and the unanimous motion passed by Parliament in 2013 regarding electoral reform, back then Wescot Williams said she had prepared a discussion paper, which she submitted to Parliament regarding several options as far as electoral reform is concerned.
These proposals ranged from possible amendments to the constitution, amendments to the electoral ordinance and the ordinance on registration and finances of political parties, to changes to the Rules of Order of Parliament.
“After several discussions in Parliament, which as Prime Minister I initiated, this paper was regretfully shelved by Parliament. In June, I -now in my capacity as MP- proposed to Parliament to have the legal advisor of Parliament further advice Parliament on these proposals, after receiving a quotation to do the relevant work.. I have recently been informed that this will take place, which of course I welcome.”
MP Wescot Williams said she is looking forward to the firm decision by Parliament to outsource this project and to the resulting proposals for debate in Parliament.
Electoral reform is one of the priorities of the Democratic Party and we look forward to the support of the other parliamentary factions in moving this matter forward.
