Editor,

INTERESTING that you noted the PR's and Nobles' vote for a numerically undemocratic system as "ironic".

From what I understand, the three options from the Constituency Boundaries Commission are:

Option 1: Go strictly by numerical divisions of population (10% variance) - this would be most "democratic" - Tt-12, Vv-2, Hp-1, Eua and Southern Ha'apai - 1, Niuas and Eastern Vv - 1.

Option 2: Go by numerical divisions in principle, but allow leeway for redistribution if needed.
As such, the Commission recommended an extra seat for Haapai and that Niua deserved their own seat (at least for 2010, to be reviewed). In all, Tt-10, Vv-3, Hp-2, Niuas 1, Eua 1.

Option 3: Go by usual historical and traditional divisions of island groups - Tt-10, Vv-3, Hp-2, Niuas-1, Eua-1. (Same as Option 2, except Option 2 considers numerical division as a primary guiding principle.)

Opt 2 & 3 seem to follow the original recommendations by CEC.

While government never presented its own model to the House, it is included in the MIC website parliamentary report.

Also going by equal distribution of people, government's Option 4 would be: Tt-10, Vv-3, Hp-2, 'Eua/Niuafo'ou-1, Tt/Niuatoputapu-1. The Niuas (northernmost isles) would be divided then grouped along with the southernmost isles ('Eua, Tt).

In any case, I think Tonga has established a mode of not going strictly by numbers, but considering other factors as well. (If we went by democracy by numbers, then the ratio of noble's reps and people's reps should also change to reflect equality).

While strictly numerical divisions would technically be more democratic, problems may arise in representing the needs of the "combination" islands. Reps must be truly familiar with the issues faced in both sets of islands, visit them regularly etc.

I think Option 2 would give more incentive to develop the outer regions. I have a feeling that if given the choice, most Tongans would choose this model. The question is whether Option 2 will remain the best fit for Tonga in say, 2030 or beyond.

Cheers

Josephine Latu.

josie_latu [at] hotmail [dot] com ( josie_latu [at] hotmail [dot] com)