By EDDIE OSIFELO
PEOPLE of Sandfly/Buenavista in Central Islands are asking for a separate constituency.
This was after the ward has seen an increase in its population numbers, while at the same time experienced lack of support from Central Islands province Member of Parliament for Gela, Bartholomew Paropolo.
A ward member, who asked not to be named, said the Constituency Boundaries Commission needs to give additional constituency to Sandfly/Buenavista.
“I think it is time we have our own constituency to run our affairs,” he said.
“Leaders who represent CIP in the past up until now always come from Gela and Sandfly/Buenavista,” he added.
There are about 26,051 people in Central Islands province covering the Russell Islands, Gela Islands (Florida Islands) and Savo Island.
In 2009, the Constituency Boundaries Commission has recommended a total of 17 additional constituencies in its report to be tabled in Parliament.
The Commission recommended four additional constituencies for Malaita province, whilst Guadalcanal and Western provinces each get three additional constituencies.
All the other provinces including Honiara will each get an additional constituency.
The most recent redrawing of constituency boundaries occurred in 1997 (increasing the number of constituencies from 47 to 50).
In 2009 the Parliament rejected a recommendation from the Commission to increase the number of constituencies to 67.
