The Electoral Boundary Commission on Friday handed over its report on proposed changes to Cayman’s constituency lines for consideration by Parliament.
The commission, following a meeting with Acting Governor Franz Manderson and Acting Deputy Governor Stran Bodden, delivered the report in accordance with the requirements under sections 88 and 89 of the Cayman Islands Constitution Order, 2009, a Government Information Services statement said.
“The report provides a review of the current electoral boundaries, offers recommendations for change, aiming to ensure an equal number of people qualified to be registered as electors in each constituency, as much as possible,” the statement said.
Commission chair Lisa Handley and members Steve McField and Adriannie Webb, in a recent interview with the Cayman Compass, said a recommended map which maintains the 19-seat Parliament was released during the consultation period. An alternative map that suggests adding a seat to Bodden Town was also released.
The details of the commission’s final recommendations were not released to the public.
“A copy of the report will now be presented to the Premier Wayne Panton for onward transmission to the Cabinet and Parliament for future debate, continuing the transparent and accountable process,” the statement said.
The redrawing of lines, and creation of a new constituency, falls to Parliament to effect when the commission’s final report is presented to lawmakers and the governor.
Manderson, in the statement, expressed gratitude to the commission members for their “expertise and dedication”.
“Their work is instrumental in safeguarding the fairness and integrity of our democratic process,” he said.
Handley, in the Compass interview, said the three-member commission focused on a “great deal of population growth and shifting in the Cayman Islands” as they reviewed the existing boundary lines.
In so doing, she said, the commission is attempting to adjust the boundaries of the constituencies to recognise these population shifts because the Cayman Islands adopted single-member districts.
There is no word on when the commission’s report will be taken forward.
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