The Draft Report of the EBC – Local Government and Tobago House of Assembly – Order, 2021 has been passed in the Lower House with 21 members voting for, 18 Against, and No abstentions.
This makes way for fresh elections in the Tobago House of Assembly, once the Order is proclaimed by the President.
The EBC Order increases Tobago’s 12 THA seats to 15 with three additional seats in Lambeau/Lowlands, Darryl Spring/Whim and Mt. St. George/Goodwood.
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, who moved the Motion, repeatedly refuted claims that the creation of 15 districts in Tobago favours the People’s National Movement.
The Prime Minister maintains that the Election and Boundaries Commission is an independent body as he noted that the creation of 15 seats goes back to 2014. He also rubbished arguments by the Opposition that the creation of 15 seats could lead to another deadlock.