THE Government will need an extra $46.7 million a year if it is to introduce 17 new seats in parliament.
This is according to a cost analysis the Ministry of Finance did on the proposed seat.
The Constituency Boundaries Commission recommended in its report the creation of 17 new constituencies.
The recommendation is expected to go before the upcoming March sitting. Parliament will either approve or reject the report, but it cannot amend it.
Government is currently split on the report.
Top Cabinet sources told the Solomon Star last week most members and ministers do not want to support the report because of the economic implications it will bring on the nation at this time.
But the sources said certain MPs want to see the report pass in order to maintain their support in the current constituencies.
A sample street survey the Solomon Star did revealed most people don’t think this is the right time to introduce the new seats, mainly because of the cost involved.
Most say the country is still recovering from the global financial crisis so it would be wise to defer any increases of the seats.
Others say we are already over-governed, and to introduce another 17 seats will only add more burden to the nation.
Under the Constitution, the constituency boundaries review happens every 10 years.
Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua told media recently the report will be debated in Parliament.
However he said it depends on Parliament to pass or reject the report.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
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